CVE-2019-20715 in D3600
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by stored XSS. This affects D3600 before 1.0.0.76, D6000 before 1.0.0.76, D6100 before 1.0.0.63, D7800 before 1.0.1.47, DM200 before 1.0.0.61, R7500v2 before 1.0.3.40, R7800 before 1.0.2.60, RBK50 before 2.3.0.32, RBR50 before 2.3.0.32, and RBS50 before 2.3.0.32.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20715 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple NETGEAR networking devices, specifically targeting firmware versions prior to designated security updates. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interfaces of affected routers and networking equipment, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the context of a user's browser session. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the device's configuration or management interface, making it particularly dangerous as the malicious code remains active until the device is rebooted or the configuration is manually cleared. The affected device models span various product lines including the D3600, D6000, D6100, D7800, DM200, R7500v2, R7800, RBK50, RBR50, and RBS50 series, indicating a widespread issue across NETGEAR's product portfolio that required coordinated patching efforts.
The technical implementation of this stored XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the web management interface components of these networking devices. When users interact with the device configuration pages or enter data through web forms, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before storing it in the device's configuration database or displaying it in subsequent web requests. This allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code through fields such as device names, network settings, or administrative credentials, which are then executed whenever the affected page is loaded. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web server component running on the device, which handles all user interface requests and configuration management tasks. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic stored cross-site scripting flaw where malicious input is stored on the server and then served to other users without proper sanitization, making it a persistent threat that can affect multiple users over time.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-20715 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to network infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to the device's administrative functions, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or even install malicious firmware components. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that even users who are not actively interacting with the device's interface can be affected when the malicious code is executed during routine page loads. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario for enterprise environments where multiple users may access the same network management interface, as the malicious script could compromise all users who view the affected pages. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol traffic, as attackers could potentially use this flaw to manipulate network traffic or establish command and control channels through the compromised device. The affected devices are commonly deployed in residential and small business environments, where network administrators may not be actively monitoring for such sophisticated attacks, making the exploitation of this vulnerability particularly concerning.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-20715 must include immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR to address the stored XSS vulnerability, as these releases contain proper input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that prevent malicious scripts from being stored or executed. Network administrators should also implement additional security measures including network segmentation to isolate critical devices, regular monitoring of device management interfaces for suspicious activity, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, as highlighted by CWE-116, which emphasizes the need for proper encoding and sanitization of user inputs to prevent injection attacks. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their network infrastructure to identify potentially vulnerable devices and ensure that all firmware updates are applied promptly. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is recommended that users disable web management interfaces when not actively needed, implement strong authentication measures, and consider using network monitoring tools that can detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The security community should also remain vigilant about similar vulnerabilities in networking equipment, as this type of flaw can provide attackers with persistent access to network infrastructure and represents a significant threat to overall network security posture.