CVE-2019-20652 in WAC505
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR WAC505 devices before 8.2.1.16 are affected by disclosure of sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20652 affects NETGEAR WAC505 wireless access points running firmware versions prior to 8.2.1.16. This issue represents a sensitive data exposure flaw that compromises the security posture of network infrastructure devices. The affected devices are part of NETGEAR's wireless access point lineup, which are commonly deployed in enterprise and small to medium business environments for wireless network connectivity. These devices serve as critical components in network infrastructure, managing wireless client connections and providing access to wired network resources.
The technical flaw manifests as improper access control mechanisms within the device's web interface and management protocols. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information that should remain protected within the device's internal systems. The disclosure occurs through unauthenticated access to configuration data, system logs, or credential storage areas that are typically restricted to authorized administrators. This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, which is classified as CWE-200 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass the normal authentication and authorization controls that should protect sensitive system information from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to comprehensive network compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can obtain administrative credentials, network configuration details, wireless security parameters, and potentially other sensitive system information. This exposure enables sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, network reconnaissance, and lateral movement within the affected network environment. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring prior authentication or specialized access. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability maps to T1087.001 (Account Discovery) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) techniques, as it enables attackers to discover and enumerate system accounts and services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-20652 primarily focus on firmware updates and network segmentation. Device administrators should immediately upgrade affected WAC505 devices to firmware version 8.2.1.16 or later, which contains patches addressing the sensitive information disclosure issue. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of exploitation, ensuring that wireless access points are isolated from critical network segments. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strict access controls for management interfaces, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity related to the affected devices. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other NETGEAR devices in their network inventory that may be similarly affected by this or related vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include verification that the firmware update was successfully applied and that the device no longer exposes sensitive information through unauthenticated access channels.