CVE-2020-14431 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by disclosure of administrative credentials. This impacts various models before version 3.2.15.25.

Understanding CVE-2020-14431

This CVE involves the exposure of administrative credentials on specific NETGEAR devices, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2020-14431?

CVE-2020-14431 refers to a vulnerability in NETGEAR devices that allows the disclosure of administrative credentials, affecting several device models.

The Impact of CVE-2020-14431

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 9.6, categorizing it as critical. It poses a high risk to confidentiality and integrity, with low complexity for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-14431

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue involves the exposure of administrative credentials on certain NETGEAR devices, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

RBK752, RBK753, RBK753S, RBR750, RBS750, RBK842, RBR840, RBS840, RBK852, RBK853, RBR850, RBS850 before 3.2.15.25

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Adjacent Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-14431 is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected devices to version 3.2.15.25 or later.
Change default administrative credentials.
Monitor network activity for any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and security patches.
Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing.

Patching and Updates

NETGEAR has released patches addressing this vulnerability. Ensure timely installation of these updates to secure affected devices.