CVE-2024-52017
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Netgear XR300 routers allows attackers to trigger a stack overflow via the passphrase parameter in bridge_wireless_main.cgi, leading to Denial of Service (DoS). Attackers can exploit this by sending a crafted POST request to the vulnerable endpoint. Only Netgear XR300 routers running firmware version 1.0.3.78 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Netgear XR300
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete router crash requiring physical reboot, potentially disrupting all network connectivity for connected devices.
Likely Case
Router becomes unresponsive, requiring manual reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
No impact if router is patched or workarounds are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires sending a crafted POST request to bridge_wireless_main.cgi with an oversized passphrase parameter.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Netgear for latest firmware > v1.0.3.78
Vendor Advisory: https://www.netgear.com/about/security/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
Log into router admin interface
Navigate to firmware update section
Download latest firmware from Netgear support site
Upload and apply firmware update
Reboot router after update completes
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable wireless bridge functionality
allIf wireless bridge feature is not needed, disable it to remove vulnerable endpoint.
Restrict access to admin interface
allLimit admin interface access to trusted internal IPs only.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate router on separate network segment
- Implement network monitoring for POST requests to bridge_wireless_main.cgi
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin interface; if version is exactly 1.0.3.78, router is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check via router web interface at 192.168.1.1 or router IPVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is updated to a version higher than 1.0.3.78.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusually large POST requests to bridge_wireless_main.cgi
- Router crash/reboot logs
Network Indicators:
- POST requests with oversized passphrase parameter to bridge_wireless_main.cgi
SIEM Query:
http.method:POST AND http.uri:*bridge_wireless_main.cgi* AND http.request_body:*passphrase=* AND http.request_body_size > 1000