CVE-2004-2032 in RP114
Summary
by MITRE
Netgear RP114 allows remote attackers to bypass the keyword based URL filtering by requesting a long URL, as demonstrated using a large number of %20 (hex-encoded space) sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2032 affects Netgear RP114 routers and represents a significant security flaw in the implementation of keyword-based URL filtering mechanisms. This issue demonstrates how seemingly simple filtering controls can be circumvented through careful manipulation of URL encoding techniques, particularly exploiting the router's handling of hex-encoded whitespace characters. The vulnerability arises from the router's insufficient validation of URL length and encoding patterns during the filtering process, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to blocked content.
The technical flaw manifests when attackers construct excessively long URLs containing numerous %20 sequences, which represent hex-encoded space characters. The router's URL filtering system fails to properly process or truncate these overly long requests, allowing the malicious URLs to bypass the intended content restrictions. This occurs because the filtering mechanism does not adequately enforce length limits or properly normalize URL encoding before applying keyword matching rules. The vulnerability specifically targets the router's web interface filtering capabilities, where users expect protection from accessing inappropriate or restricted websites through the keyword-based filtering system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for organizations and individuals relying on Netgear RP114 routers for network security. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain access to content that should be blocked, potentially including malicious websites, inappropriate material, or restricted corporate resources. The impact extends beyond simple content bypassing, as it undermines the entire security posture of the network by demonstrating that basic filtering controls can be circumvented through URL manipulation. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where content filtering is critical, such as schools, libraries, and corporate networks with strict internet usage policies.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper URL length validation and encoding normalization within the router's filtering system. Network administrators should ensure that all URL requests are processed through a consistent normalization mechanism that handles encoding properly regardless of length. This aligns with common security practices outlined in the CWE database under category 119 for buffer overflow conditions and CWE 20 for input validation issues. Additionally, implementing rate limiting and URL length restrictions in the filtering engine would prevent exploitation through excessively long URLs. Organizations should also consider upgrading to newer router firmware versions that address this specific vulnerability, as the issue represents a fundamental flaw in the router's architecture that requires proper software patches to resolve completely.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of relying solely on keyword-based filtering without considering encoding manipulation techniques. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of attack under T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, where adversaries exploit weaknesses in application-level protocols to bypass controls. The vulnerability also relates to T1566 for credential access through social engineering, as bypassing content filters can lead to unauthorized access to restricted resources. Organizations should implement comprehensive network security monitoring to detect unusual URL patterns and ensure that filtering systems are tested against various encoding techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.