CVE-2024-36788 in WNR614
Summary
by MITRE • 06/07/2024
Netgear WNR614 JNR1010V2 N300-V1.1.0.54_1.0.1 does not properly set the HTTPOnly flag for cookies. This allows attackers to possibly intercept and access sensitive communications between the router and connected devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-36788 affects Netgear WNR614 JNR1010V2 N300 routers running firmware version 1.1.0.54_1.0.1 and potentially other similar models. This issue represents a critical security flaw in the router's web interface authentication mechanism that undermines the fundamental security controls designed to protect user sessions. The vulnerability specifically relates to the improper configuration of HTTPOnly flags for session cookies, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the device's administrative interface.
The technical flaw manifests in the router's web server implementation where session cookies are not properly configured with the HTTPOnly flag during the authentication process. This misconfiguration allows attackers to access the router's administrative interface through client-side script execution, potentially enabling session hijacking attacks. When the HTTPOnly flag is properly set, it prevents client-side scripts from accessing cookie data, thereby protecting against cross-site scripting attacks that could otherwise extract session tokens. Without this protection, attackers can leverage JavaScript-based attacks to steal session cookies and gain unauthorized administrative access to the router.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass a complete compromise of the network's security perimeter. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate router settings, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network. This threat is particularly concerning for home and small office networks where the router serves as the primary gateway and security boundary. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise, as the attack surface is limited to the router's web interface and does not require complex network reconnaissance.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-1004 which addresses insecure cookie attributes and the ATT&CK framework's T1566.001 technique for initial access through spearphishing attachments, as attackers may exploit this weakness to establish persistent access. The vulnerability also aligns with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's Identify and Protect functions, particularly in identifying and protecting critical assets such as network infrastructure. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates from Netgear, network segmentation, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The HTTPOnly flag configuration should be validated across all network devices and web applications to ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities.
The risk assessment for this vulnerability indicates a high severity rating due to the potential for complete network compromise and the ease with which attackers can exploit the flaw. Network administrators should prioritize patching affected devices while implementing additional monitoring controls to detect suspicious authentication patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cookie security implementation and highlights the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. Organizations using similar Netgear models should conduct comprehensive vulnerability scans to identify other potentially affected devices and ensure that all network components maintain proper security configurations to prevent similar exploitation vectors.