External risk intelligence

WDR201A WiFi Extender can be fully controlled by attackers remotely

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.3)

CVE-2026-41925

A critical flaw in WDR201A WiFi Extenders lets attackers remotely run any command, potentially taking full control of your network devices from the internet.

4Halo Surface Signal

OS Command Injection

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2026-41925

The vulnerability resides in the web management interface of a network extender. While intended for local administration, these devices are frequently deployed in configurations that result in the management surface becoming externally reachable, making them common targets for remote access over the internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to run commands on the WDR201A WiFi Extender. This is possible by sending a specially crafted request to the device's web interface.

  • Attackers can gain control of the device.
  • This impacts devices reachable from the internet.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted POST request to the device's web interface. By injecting shell metacharacters into the `reboot_time` parameter within the `adm.cgi` binary, an attacker can bypass intended functionality and achieve arbitrary command execution on the device.

  • Target is the web management interface.
  • Exploitable via unauthenticated network requests.
  • Requires `reboot_enabled=1` setting.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This command injection vulnerability in a WiFi extender's web interface appears to be a straightforward target for attackers. The ease of exploitation without authentication, coupled with the potential for remote code execution, makes it attractive for widespread, automated attacks if the device is internet-facing. However, there is no immediate evidence of active exploitation or inclusion on threat intelligence lists.

  • No public exploit available.
  • No KEV signal.
  • Vulnerability was recently disclosed.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Prioritize isolating or taking offline any WDR201A WiFi Extenders due to an unauthenticated remote OS command injection vulnerability. This critical flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands, posing a significant risk to your network infrastructure. Given the ease of exploitation and potential for widespread compromise, immediate action is paramount.

  • Block network access to the device.
  • Monitor network traffic for unusual outbound connections.
  • Investigate alternative secure access methods if needed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the WDR201A WiFi Extender?

The WDR201A WiFi Extender is a hardware device (HW V2.1, FW LFMZX28040922V1.02) used to extend the range of WiFi networks. It is managed through a web interface.

What kind of vulnerability does CVE-2026-41925 represent?

CVE-2026-41925 is an OS command injection vulnerability (CWE-78). This means an attacker can trick the software into running unintended operating system commands.

How can an attacker exploit the WDR201A WiFi Extender vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this by sending a special POST request to the device's web interface. They need to inject malicious characters into the 'reboot_time' parameter when the reboot function is enabled.

Who needs to worry about CVE-2026-41925?

Anyone running a WDR201A WiFi Extender that is accessible from the internet should be concerned. These devices are often placed in configurations that make them reachable remotely, a scenario flagged as 'Likely' for exploitation.

What's the first step for managing this WDR201A WiFi Extender threat?

The immediate first step is to isolate the WDR201A WiFi Extender from the network, especially from internet access. This prevents potential attackers from reaching the vulnerable web interface.

References