CVE-2019-20713 : Security Advisory and Response

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affects multiple NETGEAR devices, allowing authenticated users to exploit it. This CVE impacts various router models.

Understanding CVE-2019-20713

This CVE identifies a critical vulnerability in NETGEAR routers that can be leveraged by authenticated users to execute a stack-based buffer overflow attack.

What is CVE-2019-20713?

The CVE-2019-20713 vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow issue present in several NETGEAR router models. An attacker with authenticated access can exploit this flaw to potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected devices.

The Impact of CVE-2019-20713

The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.0 base score of 6.8, indicating a medium severity level. The impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks, with privileges required for exploitation being high.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-20713

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows authenticated users to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow on NETGEAR routers, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following NETGEAR router models are impacted by this vulnerability:

D8500 (version before 1.0.3.44)
R6250 (version before 1.0.4.34)
R6300v2 (version before 1.0.4.32)
R6400 (version before 1.0.1.46)
R6700 (version before 1.0.2.6)
R6900 (version before 1.0.2.4)
R6900P (version before 1.3.1.64)
R7000 (version before 1.0.9.42)
R7000P (version before 1.3.1.64)
R7100LG (version before 1.0.0.50)
R7300DST (version before 1.0.0.70)
R7900 (version before 1.0.3.8)
R7900P (version before 1.4.1.30)
R8000 (version before 1.0.4.28)
R8000P (version before 1.4.1.30)
R8300 (version before 1.0.2.128)
R8500 (version before 1.0.2.128)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users to overflow the stack memory, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code on the affected NETGEAR devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-20713, users and administrators should take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices to enhance the security of their NETGEAR routers.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the firmware of the affected devices to the latest patched versions provided by NETGEAR.
Restrict network access to authorized users only.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly check for firmware updates and apply them promptly.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms and access controls.
Conduct periodic security assessments and audits of the network infrastructure.

Patching and Updates

NETGEAR has released patched versions for the affected router models. Users should ensure they update their devices to the latest firmware to mitigate the CVE-2019-20713 vulnerability.