CVE-2022-37232 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Netgear N300 wireless router model WNR2000v4 running firmware version V1.0.0.70. The vulnerability arises from the use of the unsafe strcpy function within the uhttpd component, which is a lightweight HTTP server often embedded in routers for web-based management interfaces. The strcpy function does not perform bounds checking on the destination buffer, which can lead to a stack overflow if input data exceeds the buffer size. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to overwrite the stack memory, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or causing a denial of service (DoS) by crashing the router. The vulnerability is particularly critical because it affects the router’s management interface, which is often exposed either internally or externally, depending on configuration. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and there are no known public exploits in the wild at the time of publication. However, the presence of a stack overflow in a network-facing service is a significant security risk. The lack of vendor or product details beyond the router model and firmware version limits the scope of technical specifics, but the core issue remains a classic buffer overflow due to unsafe string handling in embedded device firmware.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to network security infrastructure, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and home offices that commonly deploy consumer-grade routers like the Netgear N300 WNR2000v4. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain control over the router. This could enable interception or manipulation of network traffic, insertion of malicious payloads, or pivoting to internal networks, severely compromising confidentiality and integrity. Additionally, a denial of service attack could disrupt network availability, impacting business operations. Given that many European organizations rely on such routers for cost-effective connectivity, the vulnerability could be exploited by cybercriminals or state-sponsored actors targeting critical infrastructure or sensitive data. The absence of known exploits suggests the threat is currently theoretical but could become practical if proof-of-concept code is developed. The impact is heightened in environments where router firmware updates are infrequent or where network segmentation is weak, increasing the risk of lateral movement within corporate networks.

Organizations should immediately verify if they are using the Netgear N300 WNR2000v4 router with firmware version V1.0.0.70. If so, they should check for any available firmware updates from Netgear that address this vulnerability and apply them promptly. In the absence of an official patch, users should consider the following mitigations: disable remote management interfaces exposed to the internet to reduce attack surface; restrict access to the router’s management interface to trusted internal IP addresses only; implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices from critical assets; monitor network traffic for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts; and consider replacing affected routers with models that have active security support. Additionally, organizations should enforce strong administrative passwords and regularly audit router configurations. Network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) could be tuned to detect anomalous HTTP requests targeting the uhttpd service. Finally, raising user awareness about the risks of outdated firmware and encouraging timely updates is essential.