CVE-2016-10174 in WNR2000v5
Summary
by MITRE
The NETGEAR WNR2000v5 router contains a buffer overflow in the hidden_lang_avi parameter when invoking the URL /apply.cgi?/lang_check.html. This buffer overflow can be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to achieve remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2025
The CVE-2016-10174 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw discovered in NETGEAR WNR2000v5 wireless routers, specifically within the web interface handling mechanism. This vulnerability exists in the hidden_lang_avi parameter processing within the /apply.cgi?/lang_check.html URL endpoint, creating a pathway for remote exploitation without requiring authentication credentials. The flaw stems from improper input validation and memory management within the router's firmware implementation, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow through crafted malicious input.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when an attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing an excessively long string in the hidden_lang_avi parameter. This manipulation causes the router's web server to write data beyond the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow scenarios. The lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it allows any remote attacker to leverage the flaw without prior access credentials.
Operational impact of CVE-2016-10174 extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected router, potentially allowing them to install malware, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1071, covering application layer protocol usage. Network administrators face significant risks as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network attacks, potentially enabling lateral movement and data exfiltration from within the network perimeter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10174 require immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR to address the buffer overflow vulnerability, as the manufacturer has released patches specifically targeting this flaw. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to router management interfaces from untrusted networks, while disabling unnecessary services and ports. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for embedded systems and network appliances that handle user-supplied data in web interfaces. Organizations should maintain updated asset inventories to identify and remediate all affected router models within their network infrastructure, as this vulnerability affects multiple generations of NETGEAR wireless routers.