CVE-2024-51014
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2024-51014 is a stack overflow vulnerability in Netgear XR300 routers that allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) by sending a specially crafted POST request to the bridge_wireless_main.cgi endpoint. This affects Netgear XR300 v1.0.3.78 users who have the web interface accessible. The vulnerability can crash the router's web service, potentially disrupting network connectivity.
💻 Affected Systems
- Netgear XR300
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete router crash requiring physical reboot, extended network downtime, and potential for remote code execution if the overflow can be controlled to execute arbitrary code.
Likely Case
Temporary DoS affecting the web interface and potentially wireless bridge functionality until router reboot.
If Mitigated
No impact if the web interface is not accessible from untrusted networks and proper network segmentation is in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
The GitHub reference contains technical details that could be used to create an exploit. The vulnerability requires no authentication and involves simple HTTP POST requests.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: https://www.netgear.com/about/security/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Netgear's security advisory page for updates. 2. If a patch is released, download the firmware from Netgear's support site. 3. Log into the router's web interface. 4. Navigate to Administration > Firmware Upgrade. 5. Upload the new firmware file. 6. Wait for the router to reboot automatically.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Management
allPrevent external access to the router's web interface by disabling remote management features.
Log into router web interface > Advanced > Administration > Remote Management > Disable
Restrict Web Interface Access
linuxUse firewall rules to restrict access to the router's web interface (port 80/443) to trusted IP addresses only.
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s TRUSTED_IP -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable the wireless bridge functionality if not needed to reduce attack surface.
- Implement network segmentation to isolate the router from untrusted networks.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the router firmware version in the web interface under Advanced > Administration > Router Status. If version is exactly v1.0.3.78, the device is vulnerable.Check Version:
curl -s http://router-ip/ | grep -i firmware or check web interface manuallyVerify Fix Applied:
After patching, verify the firmware version has changed from v1.0.3.78 to a newer version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple POST requests to /bridge_wireless_main.cgi with long ssid_an parameters
- Router web service crash logs
- Unusual traffic patterns to router management interface
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /bridge_wireless_main.cgi with abnormally long parameter values
- Sudden drop in router responsiveness on management port
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND url="/bridge_wireless_main.cgi" AND method="POST" AND parameter_length(ssid_an) > 100