CVE-2019-20748 : Security Advisory and Response

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affects certain authenticated user-accessible NETGEAR devices, including models like D7800, R7500v2, R7800, RBK20, RBR20, RBS20, RBK40, RBS40, RBK50, RBR50, and RBS50.

Understanding CVE-2019-20748

This CVE identifies a critical security issue in specific NETGEAR devices that could be exploited by authenticated users.

What is CVE-2019-20748?

The vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow in authenticated user-accessible NETGEAR devices, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or crash the affected devices.

The Impact of CVE-2019-20748

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.8, indicating a medium severity issue with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-20748

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow in certain NETGEAR devices, allowing authenticated users to potentially execute malicious code or disrupt device operations.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following NETGEAR models are impacted by this vulnerability:

D7800 (versions prior to 1.0.1.44)
R7500v2 (versions prior to 1.0.3.38)
R7800 (versions prior to 1.0.2.52)
RBK20, RBR20, RBS20, RBK40, RBS40 (versions prior to 2.3.0.28)
RBK50, RBR50, RBS50 (versions prior to 2.3.0.32)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution or system crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-20748 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected NETGEAR devices to the latest firmware versions that address the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to devices.
Regularly audit and update device firmware to patch known vulnerabilities and enhance security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for firmware updates from NETGEAR and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.