CVE-2019-20766 in R7800
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR R7800 devices before 1.0.2.52 are affected by a stack-based buffer overflow by an authenticated user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20766 affects NETGEAR R7800 wireless routers running firmware versions prior to 1.0.2.52, representing a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw that can be exploited by authenticated users within the device's administrative interface. This vulnerability resides in the web-based management system of the router, specifically in how it handles user input during configuration parameter processing. The flaw manifests when an authenticated attacker submits maliciously crafted input to specific administrative functions, leading to memory corruption that can potentially result in arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The affected device operates with a web server component that processes HTTP requests containing user-supplied parameters, and the lack of proper input validation enables attackers to overflow buffer boundaries and overwrite return addresses or other critical stack data. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authentication to the device's administrative interface, which is typically accessible using default credentials or credentials obtained through social engineering or other means.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for network infrastructure security as it allows authenticated attackers to gain elevated privileges and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The compromised router could serve as a foothold for further network infiltration, enabling attackers to redirect traffic, intercept communications, or establish persistent access points within the network. Network administrators may face challenges in detecting exploitation attempts since the vulnerability operates within the legitimate administrative interface, making malicious activities appear as normal administrative operations.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily limited to users with valid administrative credentials, though the default credential exposure on many NETGEAR devices increases the attack probability. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves command and script interpreters, as successful exploitation could enable command execution on the device. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates to version 1.0.2.52 or later, which address the buffer overflow by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures should also be implemented to limit administrative access to only authorized personnel, while regular security audits should verify that default credentials have been changed and that proper authentication controls are in place. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, given that the vulnerability operates within the legitimate administrative interface and could evade traditional network-based detection mechanisms.