CVE-2024-52026
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) on affected Netgear routers by sending a specially crafted POST request that triggers a stack overflow in the pppoe_localip parameter. The attack crashes the router's web interface service, requiring a reboot to restore functionality. Users of Netgear XR300, R7000P, and R6400 routers with specific vulnerable firmware versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Netgear XR300
- Netgear R7000P
- Netgear R6400
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Router becomes completely unresponsive, requiring physical power cycle to restore functionality. Persistent attacks could render the device unusable until patched.
Likely Case
Temporary service disruption affecting web interface and potentially PPPoE connectivity until router automatically restarts or is manually rebooted.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper network segmentation and access controls preventing external exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP POST request with oversized pppoe_localip parameter. Proof-of-concept available in GitHub repository.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Netgear security advisory for latest patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.netgear.com/about/security/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router web interface. 2. Navigate to Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates. 4. Download and install latest firmware. 5. Reboot router after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WAN Management
allPrevent external access to router web interface
Network Segmentation
allRestrict access to router management interface to trusted IPs only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict firewall rules to block external access to router web interface (ports 80/443)
- Disable PPPoE configuration interface if not required for network operation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in web interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
curl -s http://router-ip/currentsetting.htm | grep firmwareVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is newer than affected versions listed above📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed POST requests to /bsw_pppoe.cgi
- Router service crash/restart logs
- Unusually large pppoe_localip parameter values
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /bsw_pppoe.cgi with oversized parameters
- Sudden drop in router responsiveness
SIEM Query:
http.method:POST AND http.uri:"/bsw_pppoe.cgi" AND http.param.pppoe_localip.length > 100