CVE-2019-20728 in D7000v2
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by a buffer overflow by an authenticated user. This affects D6400 before 1.0.0.74, D7000v2 before 1.0.0.74, D7800 before 1.0.1.34, D8500 before 1.0.3.39, DGN2200v4 before 1.0.0.102, DGND2200Bv4 before 1.0.0.102, DM200 before 1.0.0.52, JNDR3000 before 1.0.0.22, RBK50 before 2.3.5.30, RBR50 before 2.3.5.30, RBS50 before 2.3.5.30, RBW30 before 2.1.2.6, R6250 before 1.0.4.26, R6300v2 before 1.0.4.24, R6400 before 1.0.1.36, R6400v2 before 1.0.2.52, R6700 before 1.0.1.44, R6900 before 1.0.1.44, R7000 before 1.0.9.26, R6900P before 1.3.0.20, R7000P before 1.3.0.20, R7100LG before 1.0.0.40, R7300DST before 1.0.0.62, R7500v2 before 1.0.3.26, R7800 before 1.0.2.44, R7900 before 1.0.2.10, R8000 before 1.0.4.12, R7900P before 1.3.0.10, R8000P before 1.3.0.10, R8300 before 1.0.2.116, R8500 before 1.0.2.116, R8900 before 1.0.3.10, R9000 before 1.0.3.10, WNDR3400v3 before 1.0.1.18, WNDR3700v4 before 1.0.2.96, WNDR4300v1 before 1.0.2.98, WNDR4300v2 before 1.0.0.54, WNDR4500v3 before 1.0.0.54, WNR2000v5 before 1.0.0.64, and WNR3500Lv2 before 1.2.0.48.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting numerous NETGEAR router models that can be exploited by authenticated users with access to the device's web interface. The flaw exists within the device's firmware handling mechanisms, specifically in how the system processes input data through web-based management interfaces. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking in the processing of user-supplied data, allowing an authenticated attacker to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The affected devices span multiple generations and model lines, indicating a widespread issue that affects both consumer and business-grade networking equipment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows authenticated attackers to potentially gain unauthorized control over affected devices. Once exploited, the buffer overflow could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete device compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to modify device configurations, install malicious firmware, redirect network traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The authentication requirement does not provide adequate protection since many users may have default credentials or weak passwords, making exploitation more likely in real-world scenarios. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves command and scripting interpreter for execution, and T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should ensure all affected devices are updated to the latest firmware versions that contain patches for this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that default credentials are changed and that access controls are properly configured. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities related to device management interfaces can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in embedded systems, particularly in network infrastructure devices where persistent access can provide extensive attack surface. Security teams should also consider implementing network access control lists to restrict access to device management interfaces and ensure that only authorized personnel can access these critical network components.