CVE-2019-20693 in WAC505
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by incorrect configuration of security settings. This affects WAC505 before 8.0.6.4 and WAC510 before 8.0.6.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20693 affects NETGEAR wireless access controllers WAC505 and WAC510 models prior to firmware versions 8.0.6.4. This security flaw stems from improper configuration of security settings within the affected devices, creating potential entry points for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to network infrastructure. The issue represents a critical weakness in the device's default security posture, as it fails to properly enforce security controls that should be automatically enabled upon deployment. According to CWE-755 weakness classification, this vulnerability demonstrates a common pattern where security configurations are not properly initialized or maintained, leaving systems exposed to exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of security-related parameters during device initialization or configuration processes. When these wireless access controllers are deployed without proper firmware updates, they fail to establish secure default configurations for administrative access, authentication mechanisms, and network communication protocols. This misconfiguration creates opportunities for attackers to bypass authentication controls and gain unauthorized administrative privileges. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that these devices serve as critical network access points, controlling wireless connectivity for multiple endpoints within enterprise and enterprise-grade network environments.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to manipulate network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. Network administrators who deploy these devices without updating to the affected firmware versions may unknowingly create security gaps that adversaries can exploit to gain control over wireless access points and potentially escalate privileges to compromise the broader network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which focuses on valid accounts and the exploitation of default credentials or misconfigured access controls. The attack surface is further expanded due to the nature of wireless access controllers, which typically require minimal physical access for initial deployment, making them attractive targets for remote exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-20693 primarily involve immediate firmware updates to versions 8.0.6.4 or later for all affected WAC505 and WAC510 devices. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices within their infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts based on network criticality and exposure levels. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring protocols can help detect anomalous access patterns or unauthorized configuration changes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and validate default security configurations across all network devices, ensuring that administrative access controls, authentication mechanisms, and communication protocols are properly hardened according to industry best practices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing robust patch management processes to prevent exploitation of known security flaws.