CVE-2026-52484 Overview
CVE-2026-52484 is an authenticated command injection vulnerability in the MitraStar GPT-2742GX4X5v6-SV router running firmware GL_g2.5_100XNT0b23_3. The flaw resides in the /cgi-bin/device-management-utilities-internet.cgi component. An attacker with valid credentials can execute arbitrary operating system commands on the underlying device. The weakness maps to [CWE-78], improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command. Successful exploitation grants full control over router functionality, network traffic, and potentially connected clients.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary code on affected MitraStar routers, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device and the network it serves.
Affected Products
- MitraStar GPT-2742GX4X5v6-SV router
- Firmware version GL_g2.5_100XNT0b23_3
- /cgi-bin/device-management-utilities-internet.cgi CGI component
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-15 - CVE-2026-52484 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-09-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-52484
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the device-management-utilities-internet.cgi script exposed through the router's web management interface. The script accepts user-supplied parameters and passes them into an operating system command without adequate sanitization or neutralization. An authenticated attacker can inject shell metacharacters into a vulnerable parameter to break out of the intended command context. The injected payload runs with the privileges of the CGI process, which on embedded router platforms is typically root. Attackers gain a foothold on the device that can be used for persistence, traffic interception, credential harvesting, or pivoting to internal networks.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command [CWE-78]. The affected CGI handler constructs a shell command string from HTTP request parameters and executes it through a system call without validating input against an allow list or escaping shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, and backticks.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires the attacker to authenticate to the router management interface first. Once authenticated, the attacker submits a crafted HTTP request to /cgi-bin/device-management-utilities-internet.cgi containing shell metacharacters in a vulnerable field. Credentials may be obtained through default password reuse, phishing, brute force, or prior compromise of an administrative workstation.
No verified proof-of-concept code is available in the enriched dataset. Technical details are documented in the GitHub PoC Repository.
Stop Remote Code Execution Before It Runs
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Stop Exploit AttemptsDetection Methods for CVE-2026-52484
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST or GET requests to /cgi-bin/device-management-utilities-internet.cgi containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &&, or backticks in parameter values
- Unexpected outbound connections from the router to unknown hosts following administrative sessions
- New or modified files in writable firmware directories, or unexpected processes running on the device
Detection Strategies
- Inspect router web server access logs for requests targeting the vulnerable CGI endpoint with abnormal parameter content
- Correlate authentication events on the router with subsequent CGI requests to identify suspicious administrative sessions
- Deploy network intrusion detection signatures that flag command injection patterns in HTTP requests destined for router management interfaces
Monitoring Recommendations
- Restrict management interface access to a dedicated administrative VLAN and monitor all traffic entering that segment
- Forward router syslog and authentication events to a centralized logging platform for anomaly analysis
- Alert on configuration changes, firmware modifications, or reboots that do not correlate with approved change windows
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-52484
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable remote administration on affected MitraStar devices and limit management access to trusted internal hosts
- Rotate all administrative credentials on the router and enforce strong, unique passwords
- Audit router accounts and remove any unused or default accounts that could enable authenticated exploitation
Patch Information
No vendor patch is referenced in the enriched CVE data at the time of publication. Operators should contact MitraStar for firmware updates addressing the vulnerable device-management-utilities-internet.cgi component and monitor vendor advisories for a fixed firmware release beyond GL_g2.5_100XNT0b23_3.
Workarounds
- Block external access to the router's HTTP and HTTPS management interfaces at the perimeter
- Place the router management plane behind a VPN or jump host that enforces multi-factor authentication
- Segment the router from user and server networks to limit lateral movement if the device is compromised
# Example: restrict router management access to a trusted admin subnet
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.10.50.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
