Critical Command Injection Vulnerability Found in Wi-Fi Alliance's Test Suite

A recently discovered security flaw in the Wi-Fi Test Suite could allow unauthenticated local attackers to run arbitrary code with elevated privileges on vulnerable devices. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-41992, has been traced to Wi-Fi Alliance's software and is present in Arcadyan FMIMG51AX000J routers.

The CERT Coordination Center (CERT/CC) highlighted the flaw in an advisory, explaining that attackers could exploit the vulnerability by sending specially crafted packets. This allows them to execute commands with root-level access, potentially compromising the entire device.

The Wi-Fi Test Suite, developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, is designed to automate testing for Wi-Fi components and devices. While parts of the suite are available as open-source, the complete package is restricted to members. The vulnerability, however, surfaced in real-world router deployments, despite the suite not being intended for production use.

SSD Secure Disclosure first detailed the flaw in August 2024, after it was initially reported to the Wi-Fi Alliance in April 2024. An independent researcher, known by the alias "fj016," is credited with discovering the issue and providing a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit that demonstrates how the vulnerability can be leveraged.

According to CERT/CC, an attacker exploiting this flaw could gain complete administrative control over the compromised router. This level of access would enable them to alter system settings, disable key network services, or even reset the device entirely. Such actions could disrupt network functionality, compromise sensitive data, and cause widespread service interruptions for all users connected to the affected network.

The concern is further compounded by the lack of a patch from the Taiwanese manufacturer, Arcadyan. Until a fix is available, CERT/CC advises other vendors using the Wi-Fi Test Suite to either remove it from their production devices or update to version 9.0 or higher to minimize the risk of attack.

The Hacker News has reached out to the Wi-Fi Alliance for a comment on the matter and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

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