CVE-2019-20656 in D6200
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by a a hardcoded password. This affects D6200 before 1.1.00.36, D7000 before 1.0.1.74, PR2000 before 1.0.0.30, R6020 before 1.0.0.42, R6080 before 1.0.0.42, R6050 before 1.0.1.24, JR6150 before 1.0.1.24, R6120 before 1.0.0.48, R6220 before 1.1.0.86, R6230 before 1.1.0.86, R6260 before 1.1.0.64, R6700v2 before 1.2.0.62, R6800 before 1.2.0.62, R6900v2 before 1.2.0.62, and WNR2020 before 1.1.0.62.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20656 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple NETGEAR wireless routers and networking devices. This issue stems from a hardcoded password implementation that persists across various device models within the NETGEAR product line, creating a persistent backdoor access vector for unauthorized users. The affected devices include popular models such as the D6200, D7000, PR2000, and numerous R-series routers, with specific firmware version thresholds indicating the scope of impacted installations. The presence of hardcoded credentials violates fundamental security principles and creates a significant risk exposure for network administrators and end users who rely on these devices for network connectivity and security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of a static, well-known password within the device firmware that remains unchanged across all affected models. This hardcoded credential allows any attacker who discovers the password to gain unauthorized administrative access to the affected routers. The flaw operates at the firmware level, meaning that even if users change their default passwords, the hardcoded credentials remain accessible through specific exploitation techniques. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-259, which addresses the use of hard-coded passwords, and represents a classic example of poor credential management in embedded systems. This weakness enables attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain full administrative control over the affected devices, potentially allowing them to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-20656 extends beyond individual device compromise to threaten entire network infrastructures. Once an attacker gains administrative access through the hardcoded password, they can manipulate routing tables, modify firewall rules, redirect traffic, or establish malicious network services. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active regardless of user password changes or network configuration modifications. Network administrators face significant challenges in detecting and mitigating this issue, as the hardcoded credentials are not visible through normal network scanning or authentication processes. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many of these devices operate in residential and business environments where network security is often insufficiently managed, making the exploitation of such hardcoded credentials particularly dangerous.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR to address the hardcoded password issue in affected devices. Users should verify their device firmware versions against the listed vulnerable ranges and apply manufacturer-provided security patches as soon as they become available. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their infrastructure and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include changing default administrative credentials where possible, disabling unnecessary services, and implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper credential management and regular firmware updates in maintaining network security posture, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses valid accounts and credential access.