CVE-2019-20683 in D3600
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by a stack-based buffer overflow by an unauthenticated attacker. This affects D3600 before 1.0.0.76, D6000 before 1.0.0.76, D6200 before 1.1.00.32, D7000 before 1.0.1.68, JR6150 before 1.0.1.18, PR2000 before 1.0.0.28, R6020 before 1.0.0.38, R6050 before 1.0.1.18, R6080 before 1.0.0.38, R6120 before 1.0.0.46, R6220 before 1.1.0.80, R6260 before 1.1.0.40, R6700v2 before 1.2.0.36, R6800 before 1.2.0.36, R6900v2 before 1.2.0.36, WNR2020 before 1.1.0.62, and XR500 before 2.3.2.32.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in multiple NETGEAR router models that exposes devices to remote code execution attacks. The issue affects a wide range of consumer and small office networking equipment including various D-series and R-series routers, as well as specific models like the JR6150, PR2000, and XR500. The vulnerability exists in the web interface handling of HTTP requests, specifically in how the device processes incoming data without proper bounds checking. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted HTTP requests that overflow the stack buffer, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the router's web server component. When processing HTTP requests, the device fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers on the stack. This classic programming error allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication, meaning any remote attacker can exploit it without needing valid credentials. According to CWE-121, this represents a stack-based buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking allows adjacent memory to be overwritten, creating potential for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as affected routers serve as critical network infrastructure points. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected devices, allowing them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious firmware, or establish persistent backdoors. Network attackers could leverage this vulnerability to create botnets, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, or use compromised devices as launch points for further attacks against internal networks. The widespread deployment of these affected models means that organizations and individuals could face significant security risks, particularly in environments where these routers serve as primary network gateways.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR to address the buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces and services on affected devices until patches are applied. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1071 (Application Layer Protocol) as attackers could use compromised routers to execute commands or establish covert communication channels. Additionally, implementing network access controls and regular vulnerability scanning can help identify and remediate similar issues across the network infrastructure.