CVE-2018-16752: LINK-NET LW-N605R devices with firmware 12.20.2.1486 allow Remote Code Execution via shell metacharacters in t

This week

HIGH 8.8MITIGATE

CVE-2018-16752 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting lw-n605r firmware. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

LINK-NET LW-N605R devices with firmware 12.20.2.1486 allow Remote Code Execution via shell metacharacters in the HOST field of the ping feature at adm/systools.asp. Authentication is needed but the default password of admin for the admin account may be used in some cases.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	42.7% (top 1%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-78, CWE-1188
Published	2018-09-20
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: linknet-usa

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-09-20 20:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:44 UTCUpdated Record last modified

linknet-usa lw-n605r firmware MITIGATE

Affected: 12.20.2.1486

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 12.20.2.1486

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2018-16752?

lw-n605r firmware: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-16752 being exploited?

CVE-2018-16752 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2018-16752 affect?

CVE-2018-16752 affects lw-n605r firmware. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). LINK-NET LW-N605R devices with firmware 12.20.2.1486 allow Remote Code Execution via shell metacharacters in the HOST field of the ping feature at adm/systools.asp. Authentication is needed but the default password of admin for the admin ac

How urgent is CVE-2018-16752?

Priority 60/100. High severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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