CVE-2019-20651 in WAC505
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by command injection by an authenticated user. This affects WAC505 before 8.2.1.16 and WAC510 before 8.2.1.16.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20651 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting specific NETGEAR wireless access point models including the WAC505 and WAC510. This vulnerability manifests as an authenticated command injection issue that allows attackers who have gained access to the device to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. The flaw specifically impacts firmware versions prior to 8.2.1.16, making devices running these older versions particularly susceptible to exploitation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the device's web interface, where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being processed by the underlying system commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user input through the web administration interface, which directly translates into command execution capabilities. When an authenticated user submits malicious input to specific parameters within the device's management interface, the system fails to validate or sanitize this input before incorporating it into system commands. This design flaw falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is used to construct operating system commands without proper sanitization. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests sent to the device's web interface, making it accessible over the network when the device is configured with remote management capabilities.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially full system compromise. An authenticated attacker can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the device, potentially gaining root access to the underlying operating system. This could enable attackers to modify device configurations, install malicious software, redirect traffic, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The vulnerability's authenticated nature means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials to exploit it, but once achieved, the potential for damage is significant. Network security frameworks such as the MITRE ATT&CK framework classify this as a privilege escalation technique under the T1068 category, where attackers leverage legitimate credentials to execute malicious commands with higher privileges.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have valid login credentials for the device, which makes it less likely to be exploited by casual attackers but still poses a serious risk to organizations where credentials may be compromised through phishing attacks, credential reuse, or other means. The affected devices typically operate in enterprise environments where wireless network access points serve as critical infrastructure components, making the potential impact of this vulnerability particularly concerning. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to these devices and ensure that only authorized personnel can access them. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of regular firmware updates and proper access control measures to prevent unauthorized access to network infrastructure devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate firmware upgrades to version 8.2.1.16 or later, which contain patches addressing the command injection flaw. Network administrators should also implement strict access controls, including strong authentication mechanisms and regular credential rotation policies. Monitoring for unusual network activity or command execution patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware in network infrastructure devices and implementing robust security practices such as network segmentation and privileged access management. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their network equipment to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.