CVE-2019-20723 in D3600
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by a stack-based buffer overflow by an authenticated user. This affects D3600 before 1.0.0.75, D6000 before 1.0.0.75, D6100 before 1.0.0.63, DM200 before 1.0.0.58, EX2700 before 1.0.1.48, EX6100v2 before 1.0.1.76, EX6150v2 before 1.0.1.76, EX6200v2 before 1.0.1.72, EX6400 before 1.0.2.136, EX7300 before 1.0.2.136, EX8000 before 1.0.1.180, R7800 before 1.0.2.52, R8900 before 1.0.4.2, R9000 before 1.0.4.2, WN2000RPTv3 before 1.0.1.32, WN3000RPv2 before 1.0.0.68, WN3000RPv3 before 1.0.2.70, WN3100RPv2 before 1.0.0.60, WNDR4300v2 before 1.0.0.58, WNDR4500v3 before 1.0.0.58, WNR2000v5 before 1.0.0.68, and XR500 before 2.3.2.32.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow condition that affects multiple NETGEAR networking devices, exposing them to potential remote code execution risks. The flaw exists within the web management interface of these devices, where an authenticated user can exploit a buffer overflow through malformed input parameters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the device's firmware, specifically in the handling of HTTP request parameters. This allows an attacker who has already gained legitimate access to the device's management interface to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The affected models span across various device categories including routers, wireless access points, and network switches, indicating a widespread issue within NETGEAR's product line. The vulnerability impacts firmware versions prior to specific patches, with each model having its own version threshold for protection. The stack-based nature of this overflow means that memory corruption occurs in the program's stack segment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which describes a condition where a program writes data beyond the bounds of a fixed-length stack buffer, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten. The attack vector requires an authenticated user, which reduces the initial attack surface but still represents a significant security risk since legitimate users with access could potentially exploit this for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over affected devices, potentially leading to network infiltration, data exfiltration, or disruption of services. Once exploited, the attacker could modify device configurations, install malicious firmware, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The affected devices typically operate in enterprise and residential environments where they serve as core network infrastructure components, making their compromise particularly dangerous. The vulnerability affects devices that are widely deployed across both commercial and home networks, increasing the potential attack surface. Network administrators may not immediately detect exploitation attempts since the attack requires legitimate authentication, making it more difficult to identify unauthorized access. The impact is further amplified by the fact that these devices often serve as gateways to larger network infrastructures, potentially providing attackers with access to sensitive internal systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR, which address the buffer overflow through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of device compromise and establish strict access controls for device management interfaces. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure should include verification of device firmware versions and patch status. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns or configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device administrators should follow principle of least privilege by limiting management access to only necessary personnel and implementing multi-factor authentication where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of network infrastructure devices. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain detailed logs of device management activities. Regular vulnerability scanning of network infrastructure should be conducted to identify other potential security weaknesses in connected devices. The affected devices should be prioritized for immediate patching, with particular attention to those deployed in critical network segments where compromise could have significant operational impact.