CVE-2024-50997 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in multiple Netgear router models: R8500 v1.0.2.160, XR300 v1.0.3.78, R7000P v1.3.3.154, and R6400 v2 1.0.4.128. The vulnerability resides in the pptp.cgi web interface component, specifically in the handling of the pptp_user_ip parameter. An attacker with at least local network access and low privileges can craft a malicious POST request targeting this parameter, causing a stack overflow that leads to a denial of service condition by crashing or rebooting the device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-120 (Classic Buffer Overflow). According to the CVSS v3.1 vector (AV:A/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H), the attack requires adjacent network access (e.g., LAN), low attack complexity, and low privileges, but no user interaction. The impact is limited to availability disruption, with no confidentiality or integrity compromise. No known exploits are currently in the wild, and no official patches have been published as of the vulnerability disclosure date (November 5, 2024). This vulnerability highlights the risks in embedded device web interfaces, especially those handling VPN or network configuration parameters without sufficient input validation or bounds checking.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-50997 is denial of service, which can disrupt network connectivity for affected organizations relying on the vulnerable Netgear routers. This can lead to temporary loss of internet access or VPN connectivity, affecting business operations, remote work capabilities, and network-dependent services. While the vulnerability does not allow data theft or device takeover, repeated exploitation could cause operational instability or require manual device resets. Organizations with critical infrastructure or high availability requirements may experience significant disruption. The requirement for local network access and low privileges somewhat limits the attack surface, but insider threats or compromised internal hosts could exploit this vulnerability. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium CVSS score indicates a moderate threat level that should not be ignored.

1. Network Segmentation: Isolate vulnerable Netgear routers from untrusted or guest networks to reduce exposure to potential attackers. 2. Access Controls: Restrict access to router management interfaces to trusted administrators only, preferably via secure management VLANs or VPNs. 3. Monitor Network Traffic: Implement IDS/IPS rules to detect anomalous POST requests targeting pptp.cgi or unusual traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Firmware Updates: Regularly check Netgear’s official channels for firmware updates or security advisories addressing this vulnerability and apply patches promptly once available. 5. Disable Unused Services: If PPTP VPN functionality is not required, disable the related services or web interface components to reduce attack surface. 6. Incident Response Preparedness: Prepare to quickly reboot or replace affected devices if a denial of service occurs and maintain backups of router configurations. 7. Vendor Engagement: Engage with Netgear support to inquire about planned patches or mitigations and request timelines for fixes.