CVE-2019-20760 in R9000
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR R9000 devices before 1.0.4.26 are affected by authentication bypass.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20760 affects NETGEAR R9000 wireless routers running firmware versions prior to 1.0.4.26, presenting a critical authentication bypass flaw that compromises the device's security posture. This vulnerability resides within the router's web-based management interface and allows unauthorized users to gain administrative access without proper credentials, fundamentally undermining the device's access control mechanisms.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and authentication handling within the router's web interface implementation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific HTTP requests that bypass the normal authentication flow, effectively allowing them to execute administrative commands and modify router configurations. The vulnerability manifests through a lack of proper session management and insufficient validation of authentication tokens, enabling attackers to manipulate the authentication process through crafted parameters in web requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over affected routers. Once exploited, adversaries can modify network settings, configure port forwarding rules, install malicious firmware, access all network traffic, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacks against internal network systems. The vulnerability affects not only the router's own security but also creates a potential pathway for broader network compromise, as the R9000 serves as a central networking device in many home and small office environments.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts usage, as it allows unauthorized access to administrative accounts through bypass mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many users may not regularly update their router firmware, leaving devices vulnerable for extended periods. Organizations and individuals using affected NETGEAR R9000 devices should immediately implement firmware updates to address this vulnerability and consider network segmentation to limit potential damage from compromised devices.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates to version 1.0.4.26 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the authentication bypass. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as disabling remote management features when not actively needed, configuring firewall rules to restrict access to management interfaces, and monitoring for unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure and maintaining updated inventory of all connected devices are essential practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting the broader network ecosystem.