CVE-2019-20736 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

NETGEAR devices are susceptible to a stack-based buffer overflow when accessed by authenticated users. This vulnerability affects various models including D6000, D6100, R7800, R8900, R9000, WNDR3700v4, WNDR4300v1, WNDR4300v2, WNDR4500v3, WNR2000v5, and XR500.

Understanding CVE-2019-20736

Certain NETGEAR devices are impacted by a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability, potentially exploited by authenticated users.

What is CVE-2019-20736?

The vulnerability arises in NETGEAR devices due to a stack-based buffer overflow, triggered when authenticated users interact with the affected devices.

The Impact of CVE-2019-20736

CVSS Base Score: 6.8 (Medium Severity)
Attack Vector: Adjacent Network
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High
Privileges Required: High
This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and service disruption.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-20736

NETGEAR devices are prone to a stack-based buffer overflow, potentially exploited by authenticated users.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows authenticated users to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow on certain NETGEAR devices, compromising their security.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following models are impacted:

D6000 (versions prior to 1.0.0.72)
D6100 (versions prior to 1.0.0.63)
R7800 (versions prior to 1.0.2.52)
R8900 (versions prior to 1.0.4.2)
R9000 (versions prior to 1.0.4.2)
WNDR3700v4 (versions prior to 1.0.2.102)
WNDR4300v1 (versions prior to 1.0.2.104)
WNDR4300v2 (versions prior to 1.0.0.58)
WNDR4500v3 (versions prior to 1.0.0.58)
WNR2000v5 (versions prior to 1.0.0.68)
XR500 (versions prior to 2.3.2.32)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users accessing the affected NETGEAR devices, potentially leading to a stack-based buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the CVE-2019-20736 vulnerability:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected devices to the latest firmware versions.
Restrict network access to authorized users only.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and security patches.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms.
Conduct security audits and assessments periodically.

Patching and Updates

NETGEAR has released patches for the affected models to address the vulnerability.