CVE-2020-11768 in D7800
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by Stored XSS. This affects D7800 before 1.0.1.56, R7500v2 before 1.0.3.46, R7800 before 1.0.2.68, R8900 before 1.0.4.28, R9000 before 1.0.4.28, RAX120 before 1.0.0.78, RBR20 before 2.3.5.26, RBS20 before 2.3.5.26, RBK20 before 2.3.5.26, RBR40 before 2.3.5.30, RBS40 before 2.3.5.30, RBK40 before 2.3.5.30, RBR50 before 2.3.5.30, RBS50 before 2.3.5.30, RBK50 before 2.3.5.30, XR500 before 2.3.2.56, and XR700 before 1.0.1.10.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that affects multiple NETGEAR router models across various product lines including the D7800, R7500v2, R7800, and numerous other series. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web interface of these devices, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the device's storage and execute whenever the affected web pages are accessed. The impacted firmware versions demonstrate a widespread issue affecting both consumer and small business networking equipment, with specific versions listed indicating the scope of the vulnerability across different device families. This stored XSS vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the victim's browser session when administrators or users access the compromised device's web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper sanitization of user-supplied input fields within the device's web management interface. When legitimate users interact with the affected devices through their web browsers, the malicious scripts stored on the device are executed in the browser context of any user who accesses the vulnerable interface. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can manipulate the device's web interface to redirect users to malicious sites, steal session cookies, or perform unauthorized administrative actions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the device's web management interface, meaning that any user with access to the device's web UI could be compromised. The attack vector requires no special privileges for the initial exploitation, as the malicious scripts are stored server-side and executed client-side when the web interface is accessed. This aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where input is not properly validated or sanitized before being reflected back to users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and potential privilege escalation within the device's management interface. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access to network management functions, potentially allowing them to modify router configurations, redirect traffic, or establish backdoor access points. The vulnerability affects both administrative and regular user access to the web interface, meaning that any individual who can access the device's management portal could become compromised. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that once exploited, the malicious code remains active until the device is rebooted or the affected input fields are properly cleared. This creates a long-term threat that can be exploited by attackers over extended periods, potentially allowing them to maintain access to network infrastructure and monitor or manipulate traffic passing through the affected devices.
The security implications of this vulnerability are significant for network administrators and organizations relying on these NETGEAR devices, as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network attacks or provide attackers with persistent access to internal network resources. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessment frameworks, particularly when evaluating the security of network infrastructure devices. The affected device families span multiple generations and product categories, indicating a systemic issue within the firmware development and security testing processes of the affected models. Network security teams should implement immediate mitigation measures including firmware updates where available, network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, and monitoring for suspicious activity in network traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly those managing critical network infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls or other protective measures to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability affects the device's management interface and could potentially allow attackers to gain administrative control over the affected network devices. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for comprehensive security testing of network device firmware and proper security controls in embedded web applications to prevent persistent threats that can compromise entire network infrastructures.