CVE-2019-20642 in RAX40
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR RAX40 devices before 1.0.3.64 are affected by authentication bypass.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20624 affects NETGEAR RAX40 wireless routers and access points running firmware versions prior to 1.0.3.64. This authentication bypass flaw represents a critical security weakness that compromises the device's ability to properly verify user credentials and maintain secure network access. The affected devices operate under the assumption that legitimate users can be authenticated through standard means, but this protection mechanism fails to properly validate access requests, allowing unauthorized individuals to gain administrative privileges without proper authentication.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of authentication checks within the device's web interface and management protocols. Specifically, the firmware fails to adequately validate session tokens and authentication credentials, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass the standard login procedures entirely. This flaw operates at the application layer and affects both web-based and potentially API-based management interfaces that the device provides for network administrators. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct web interface access, remote management protocols, or through crafted network requests that manipulate the authentication flow.
The operational impact of this authentication bypass vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing affected NETGEAR RAX40 devices. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full administrative control over the affected router or access point, enabling them to modify network configurations, implement malicious network policies, monitor traffic, and potentially establish backdoors for persistent access. The compromised device becomes a potential pivot point for attackers to move laterally within the network, as they can manipulate firewall rules, DNS settings, and other critical network parameters. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and home office networks where these devices serve as primary network gateways, potentially exposing entire network infrastructures to unauthorized access and manipulation.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and maps to ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service discovery. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation and authentication enforcement that allows privilege escalation through unauthorized access mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate firmware updates to address this vulnerability, as the affected devices lack proper authentication controls that should be fundamental to network security infrastructure. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous administrative access patterns, while regular security assessments should verify that authentication mechanisms remain properly configured and functioning.
The remediation strategy involves deploying the official firmware update version 1.0.3.64 or later provided by NETGEAR, which addresses the authentication bypass vulnerability through proper credential validation and session management controls. Network administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular firmware updates, network monitoring for unauthorized administrative access, and strict access controls for management interfaces. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware for network infrastructure devices and demonstrates how seemingly simple authentication flaws can create significant security risks when left unaddressed.