CVE-2017-18779
📋 TL;DR
A buffer overflow vulnerability in multiple NETGEAR router models allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. This affects specific firmware versions of D6200, D7000, JNR1010v2, JR6150, JWNR2010v5, PR2000, R6020, R6050, R6080, R6120, R6220, R6700v2, R6800, R6900v2, WNDR3700v5, WNR1000v4, WNR2020, and WNR2050 routers. Users with affected devices running vulnerable firmware are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR D6200
- NETGEAR D7000
- NETGEAR JNR1010v2
- NETGEAR JR6150
- NETGEAR JWNR2010v5
- NETGEAR PR2000
- NETGEAR R6020
- NETGEAR R6050
- NETGEAR R6080
- NETGEAR R6120
- NETGEAR R6220
- NETGEAR R6700v2
- NETGEAR R6800
- NETGEAR R6900v2
- NETGEAR WNDR3700v5
- NETGEAR WNR1000v4
- NETGEAR WNR2020
- NETGEAR WNR2050
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete router compromise, credential theft, network traffic interception, and lateral movement to connected devices.
Likely Case
Router crash/reboot causing temporary denial of service and network disruption.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if patched or isolated from untrusted networks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Buffer overflow vulnerabilities in network devices often require specific conditions to exploit, but successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: See affected_systems.versions for minimum fixed versions per model
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000049541/Security-Advisory-for-Buffer-Overflow-on-Some-Routers-PSV-2017-2956
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router admin interface. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates or manually download latest firmware from NETGEAR support site. 4. Upload and install firmware update. 5. Router will reboot automatically.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate router management interface from untrusted networks
Disable Remote Management
allTurn off remote administration features if not required
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected router with supported model
- Implement strict network access controls to limit exposure
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
No CLI command - check via web interface at http://routerlogin.net or router IPVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds minimum fixed version for your model📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Router crash/reboot events
- Unusual authentication attempts
- Buffer overflow error messages in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to router management interface
- Multiple failed connection attempts
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (event_type="crash" OR event_type="reboot" OR message="*buffer*overflow*")