CVE-2019-20701 in D3600
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by command injection by an authenticated user. This affects D3600 before 1.0.0.76, D6000 before 1.0.0.76, and XR500 before 2.3.2.32.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in NETGEAR networking equipment that allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices. The vulnerability affects specific models including D3600, D6000, and XR500 routers, with the issue persisting in firmware versions prior to the specified patches. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the device's web interface handling, where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This creates a pathway for malicious actors who have already gained authentication access to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets processed and executed as system commands, potentially allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has already obtained valid credentials for the device's web interface can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over the router's functionality. This includes the ability to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malware, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as affected routers serve as critical network infrastructure components. When exploited, these devices can become entry points for broader network attacks, allowing adversaries to manipulate traffic routing, intercept communications, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not just individual devices but entire network segments that rely on these routers for connectivity and security enforcement. Organizations using these affected NETGEAR devices face significant risk of network infiltration, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of critical services that depend on stable routing infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to the latest available versions that address this command injection vulnerability. Network administrators must also implement additional security controls such as restricting web interface access to trusted networks, disabling unnecessary administrative services, and monitoring for unusual network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through web interfaces. Organizations should also conduct thorough network assessments to identify all affected devices and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular vulnerability scanning and security audits are essential to maintain protection against similar flaws that may emerge in network infrastructure components.