CVE-2002-0127 in RP114
Summary
by MITRE
Netgear RP114 Cable/DSL Web Safe Router Firmware 3.26, when configured to block traffic below port 1024, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (hang) via a port scan of the WAN port.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0127 affects the Netgear RP114 Cable/DSL Web Safe Router firmware version 3.26, representing a significant denial of service weakness that can be exploited remotely. This issue manifests when the router is configured with specific traffic blocking policies targeting ports below 1024, a common security practice designed to prevent unauthorized access to privileged network services. The flaw lies in the router's insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms when processing network traffic patterns that attempt to scan or access these restricted port ranges from external sources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the router's firmware failing to properly manage and process incoming network packets during port scanning activities. When remote attackers conduct port scans against the WAN port of the affected router, the device's processing logic becomes overwhelmed or enters an unstable state, resulting in a complete system hang that effectively renders the router inoperable. This behavior directly violates standard network security practices and demonstrates a critical flaw in the router's network traffic handling capabilities, particularly when dealing with potentially malicious scanning activities that are common in network reconnaissance phases.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to network availability and reliability, as it allows remote attackers to disrupt network services without requiring authentication or privileged access. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption, as the router's complete hang condition can affect all network traffic flowing through the device, potentially causing widespread connectivity issues for all users dependent on the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited using relatively simple port scanning tools that are widely available, making the attack surface accessible to malicious actors with minimal technical expertise.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input ranges, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Organizations utilizing this specific router model must consider implementing immediate mitigations including disabling the port blocking feature, applying firmware updates when available, and implementing network segmentation to limit the impact of such attacks. Network administrators should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious scanning activities and establish proper firewall rules to prevent unauthorized access to the router's management interfaces. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation and error handling in network infrastructure devices, particularly those handling external traffic and implementing access control policies.