CVE-2024-47397: AE1021/AE1021PE Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-47397 Overview

CVE-2024-47397 is a weak authentication vulnerability affecting FXC AE1021 firmware versions 2.0.10 and earlier and AE1021PE firmware versions 2.0.10 and earlier. The flaw allows a remote attacker to bypass authentication by submitting an undocumented hardcoded string to the device. Successful exploitation grants unauthorized access to administrative functionality without valid credentials. The issue is classified under CWE-1390 (Weak Authentication) and is exploitable over the network with low attack complexity and no user interaction.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers can bypass authentication on affected AE1021 and AE1021PE wireless LAN routers using an undocumented credential string, compromising device integrity.

Affected Products

FXC AE1021 firmware versions 2.0.10 and earlier
FXC AE1021PE firmware versions 2.0.10 and earlier
Wireless LAN router product line from FXC Inc.

Discovery Timeline

2024-12-18 - CVE-2024-47397 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-47397

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the authentication logic of the AE1021 and AE1021PE firmware. The device accepts an undocumented specific string that bypasses the normal credential validation routine. Any attacker capable of reaching the management interface over the network can leverage this string to gain authenticated access without knowing legitimate user credentials.

The weakness primarily impacts the integrity of the device. An attacker with bypassed authentication can modify router configuration, change network routing, alter wireless settings, or pivot toward other systems on the connected network. The vulnerability does not require any user interaction or prior privileges.

Root Cause

The root cause is the presence of an undocumented backdoor-like authentication string embedded in the firmware. This pattern reflects CWE-1390, where the authentication mechanism does not adequately verify the legitimacy of the requesting party. Hardcoded or undocumented credentials defeat the access control model regardless of how strong configured passwords are.

Attack Vector

Exploitation occurs remotely over the network against the device management interface. An attacker submits the undocumented string in place of valid credentials and is granted access. No specialized tooling or memory corruption primitive is required, and the attack complexity is low. Devices exposing the management interface to untrusted networks face the highest risk.

No verified public exploit code is currently available. Technical details are documented in the JVN Security Vulnerability Report and the FXC News Update.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-47397

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected administrative logins to AE1021 or AE1021PE devices from unknown source IP addresses
Configuration changes on the router that were not initiated by authorized administrators
New or modified firewall, routing, or DNS rules appearing without change-management records
Outbound connections from internal hosts to unusual destinations following router configuration changes

Detection Strategies

Inspect router authentication logs for successful logins that lack a corresponding legitimate session
Compare current device configuration against a known-good baseline at regular intervals
Monitor network traffic to and from the router management interface for connections from non-administrative subnets
Apply EPSS scoring (currently 0.388%) within risk prioritization to flag exposed devices despite low broad-exploitation likelihood

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward router syslog and authentication events to a centralized log platform for correlation
Alert on any administrative session originating from outside designated management networks
Track firmware versions across the fleet and flag any device running 2.0.10 or earlier

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-47397

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all AE1021 and AE1021PE devices in the environment and inventory their firmware versions
Restrict management interface access to a dedicated administrative VLAN or trusted IP allowlist
Disable remote management from the wide area network (WAN) side until patched firmware is deployed
Rotate administrative credentials and review recent configuration history for unauthorized changes

Patch Information

FXC has published guidance and updated firmware. Refer to the FXC News Update and the JVN Security Vulnerability Report for the corrected firmware version and update procedure. Apply the vendor-provided firmware to all affected devices to remove the undocumented authentication string.

Workarounds

Place affected routers behind an upstream firewall that blocks inbound access to management ports
Segment the router management plane from user and guest networks using access control lists
Continuously monitor router logs and configuration state until firmware updates are applied

bash

# Example: restrict router management access to a trusted subnet
# Replace 192.0.2.0/24 with your administrative network
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 192.0.2.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.0.2.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP