CVE-2019-20679 in MR1100
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR MR1100 devices before 12.06.08.00 are affected by lack of access control at the function level.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20679 affects NETGEAR MR1100 wireless routers and is classified as a weakness in access control mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient function-level access controls that allow unauthorized users to bypass authentication and gain access to administrative functions within the device. The vulnerability specifically impacts firmware versions prior to 12.06.08.00, indicating that devices running these older versions are susceptible to exploitation. The lack of proper access control at the function level represents a fundamental security flaw that undermines the device's ability to enforce proper authorization policies. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-284 which describes improper access control, specifically the inadequate enforcement of access restrictions for system resources and functions. The vulnerability exists in the device's web interface where administrative functions are exposed without proper authentication checks, allowing any user to potentially access sensitive configuration options and system settings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the router's web server component that handles HTTP requests and responses. When a user attempts to access administrative functions through the web interface, the device fails to properly validate whether the requesting user has appropriate authorization levels. This weakness allows attackers to directly access administrative URLs or functions by simply knowing the endpoint structure, without needing valid credentials or proper authentication tokens. The flaw essentially creates a path traversal or direct object reference vulnerability where the application does not properly check user permissions before executing privileged operations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring physical access to the device, making it a significant concern for network security.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-20679 is substantial as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to critical router configuration functions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially modify network settings, change administrator passwords, disable security features, or even install malicious firmware. The ability to access administrative functions remotely means that attackers can compromise the entire network infrastructure controlled by the vulnerable router. This vulnerability can be leveraged as a stepping stone for broader network attacks, allowing threat actors to establish persistent access points or create backdoors within the network. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it can lead to complete network compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of network services. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting, as attackers can gain access to network credentials and administrative privileges through this flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-20679 primarily focus on firmware updates and access control hardening. The most effective solution is to upgrade the router firmware to version 12.06.08.00 or later, which contains the necessary access control fixes. Network administrators should also implement additional security measures such as disabling unnecessary administrative services, restricting access to the web interface through firewall rules, and ensuring that default credentials are changed. The device should be configured to use strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication where possible. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network devices. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts and anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control policies that limit which systems can communicate with administrative interfaces and ensure that all administrative access is logged and monitored for suspicious activities.