CVE-2020-35233 : Security Advisory and Response

A denial of service vulnerability in NETGEAR JGS516PE/GS116Ev2 v2.6.0.43 devices allows attackers to force reboots by overwhelming the TFTP server with concurrent connections.

Understanding CVE-2020-35233

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in NETGEAR JGS516PE/GS116Ev2 v2.6.0.43 devices that can be exploited for a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2020-35233?

The vulnerability in the TFTP server of the mentioned devices enables external attackers to trigger device reboots by sending multiple connections simultaneously.

The Impact of CVE-2020-35233

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows malicious actors to disrupt the normal operation of affected devices, potentially leading to service outages.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-35233

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The TFTP server on NETGEAR JGS516PE/GS116Ev2 v2.6.0.43 devices fails to handle multiple connections, enabling attackers to execute denial of service attacks by flooding the server with concurrent connections.

Affected Systems and Versions

Device: NETGEAR JGS516PE/GS116Ev2 v2.6.0.43
Version: 2.6.0.43

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by sending a high volume of concurrent connections to the TFTP server, overwhelming it and causing the device to reboot.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-35233 involves taking immediate and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable TFTP services if not essential for operations.
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure.
Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments to identify and address weaknesses.
Educate users on best practices to prevent attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure devices are updated with the latest firmware releases from NETGEAR to mitigate the vulnerability.