CVE-2019-20643 in RAX40
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR RAX40 devices before 1.0.3.64 are affected by disclosure of sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20643 affects NETGEAR RAX40 wireless routers and is categorized as a sensitive information disclosure flaw. This issue exists in firmware versions prior to 1.0.3.64 and represents a significant security weakness that could compromise network integrity and user privacy. The affected devices are part of NETGEAR's RAX40 series, which are designed as high-performance Wi-Fi 6 routers targeting both residential and small business users. These devices typically serve as central network hubs managing internet connectivity and local network communications for multiple devices simultaneously.
The technical flaw manifests through improper access controls and inadequate input validation mechanisms within the device's web administration interface. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information that should remain protected from external viewing. The disclosure occurs through specific API endpoints or configuration pages that do not properly authenticate or authorize access requests. This weakness allows an unauthenticated attacker to retrieve system logs, configuration files, user credentials, or other confidential data that could reveal network topology, device identifiers, or administrative access details. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a classic example of information disclosure through inadequate access control measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks within the network ecosystem. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can obtain detailed information about the router's internal configuration, including network settings, connected devices, and potentially administrative credentials. This information can then be leveraged to conduct further attacks such as man-in-the-middle operations, network reconnaissance, or privilege escalation attempts. The compromised device may also serve as a pivot point for lateral movement within the local network, potentially affecting other connected devices or systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1082 (System Information Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) techniques, as it enables attackers to gather system information that could be used for targeting other network assets or crafting more effective social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-20643 primarily focus on firmware updates and network segmentation measures. The most effective solution is to upgrade affected NETGEAR RAX40 devices to firmware version 1.0.3.64 or later, which includes patches addressing the information disclosure vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary services, restricting remote management access, and implementing proper firewall rules to limit access to the router's administrative interface. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses across the network infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing robust network access controls as recommended by NIST SP 800-40 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for information security management. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts to access sensitive system information.