CVE-2019-20709 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 • 04/17/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw affecting multiple NETGEAR wireless routers and modems including the D3600, D6000, and XR500 device models. The issue stems from insufficient input validation within the web-based management interface, allowing authenticated users to inject arbitrary commands that execute with elevated privileges on the affected devices. The vulnerability exists in firmware versions prior to the specified patches, creating a persistent risk for devices that remain unpatched. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector requires an authenticated user who can access the device's web management interface, making it particularly concerning for networks where administrative credentials may be compromised or default passwords remain unchanged.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters within the device's web interface, specifically targeting areas where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. When an authenticated user submits malicious input through web forms or API endpoints, the system processes these inputs without adequate validation, leading to arbitrary command execution. This allows attackers to perform actions such as modifying device configurations, accessing sensitive network information, redirecting traffic, or even gaining remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices and inadequate sanitization of user-provided data within the device's web server components. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as it can potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges and gain complete control over the affected networking equipment.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risk for network administrators and end users who rely on these devices for their network infrastructure. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that attackers who have gained access to legitimate user credentials can leverage this flaw to compromise entire network segments. Network security teams face the challenge of identifying and patching potentially thousands of vulnerable devices across their infrastructure, especially considering that many users may not regularly update their networking equipment. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which describes the use of command and scripting interpreters for execution. Organizations must consider the broader implications of compromised networking equipment, as these devices often serve as critical points of network access control and traffic management. The risk is particularly elevated for enterprise environments where these devices may be used as gateways to sensitive internal systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR to address the command injection vulnerability in affected device models. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and authentication measures, including the enforcement of strong passwords and multi-factor authentication where possible. Regular network monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Device hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services and implementing network segmentation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Organizations should also conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and prioritize patching based on risk assessment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in network infrastructure devices, as these components often serve as primary attack vectors for sophisticated network intrusions.