CVE-2019-20658 in FS728TLP
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by disclosure of sensitive information. This affects FS728TLP before 1.0.1.26, GS105Ev2 before 1.6.0.4, GS105PE before 1.6.0.4, GS108Ev3 before 2.06.08, GS108PEv3 before 2.06.08, GS110EMX before 1.0.1.4, GS116Ev2 before 2.6.0.35, GS408EPP before 1.0.0.15, GS808E before 1.7.0.7, GS810EMX before 1.7.1.1, GS908E before 1.7.0.3, GSS108E before 1.6.0.4, GSS108EPP before 1.0.0.15, GSS116E before 1.6.0.9, JGS516PE before 2.6.0.35, JGS524Ev2 before 2.6.0.35, JGS524PE before 2.6.0.35, XS512EM before 1.0.1.1, XS708Ev2 before 1.6.0.23, XS716E before 1.6.0.23, and XS724EM before 1.0.1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20658 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting multiple NETGEAR network switching devices across various product lines. This weakness allows unauthorized access to sensitive system information that should remain protected within the device's operational environment. The affected devices span several model categories including managed switches, unmanaged switches, and hybrid networking equipment, indicating a widespread exposure across NETGEAR's product portfolio. The vulnerability specifically impacts firmware versions prior to the listed patches, suggesting that device manufacturers failed to adequately secure sensitive data handling mechanisms in their network infrastructure products.
This information disclosure vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and data protection mechanisms within the affected NETGEAR switches. The flaw likely exists in how the devices handle internal system information, potentially exposing credentials, configuration parameters, or other sensitive data through improper access points or debugging interfaces. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it creates opportunities for attackers to gain deeper insights into network infrastructure configurations, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks against the affected networks. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-200, Information Disclosure, which encompasses various methods of exposing sensitive data through improper access controls or insecure data handling practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on affected NETGEAR switches as it creates potential entry points for attackers seeking to compromise network security. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could obtain sensitive information that would aid in conducting further attacks, including credential harvesting, network mapping, or targeted exploitation of other system components. The exposure of configuration data or system parameters could enable attackers to understand network topology, identify potential attack vectors, or discover other security weaknesses within the affected infrastructure. This information disclosure creates a foundation for more advanced persistent threats that could ultimately lead to complete network compromise or unauthorized access to connected systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies focusing on firmware updates and network monitoring. The primary remediation involves updating all affected NETGEAR devices to their latest firmware versions as provided by the vendor, which typically includes patched implementations of secure data handling mechanisms. Network administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any devices that may not have been properly updated or patched. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or attempts to query sensitive system information, as these activities could indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving credential access and reconnaissance activities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network infrastructure security is paramount. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure configuration management and regular firmware updates as essential components of network security posture maintenance.