CVE-2024-51001 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Netgear R8500 router firmware version 1.0.2.160. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation of the sysDNSHost parameter in the ddns.cgi CGI script, which is responsible for dynamic DNS configuration. When a specially crafted POST request containing an oversized or malformed sysDNSHost parameter is sent to the ddns.cgi endpoint, it causes a stack overflow condition. This overflow can overwrite the stack memory, leading to a crash of the router's management service or the entire device, resulting in a denial of service (DoS). The vulnerability requires an attacker to have low-level privileges (PR:L) and network access (AV:A), meaning the attacker must be on the local network or have VPN access to the device. No user interaction is necessary, and the vulnerability does not allow for code execution or data leakage, limiting the impact to availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.7, reflecting medium severity due to the limited scope and impact. No patches or known exploits have been reported as of the publication date. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-120 (Classic Buffer Overflow).

The primary impact of CVE-2024-51001 is denial of service, which can disrupt network connectivity and availability for organizations relying on the Netgear R8500 router. This can affect business operations, especially in environments where the router serves as a critical gateway or firewall device. The inability to access the router's management interface or network services can lead to downtime and potential operational delays. Since the vulnerability requires local network access and low privileges, remote exploitation is less likely unless the attacker has already breached the internal network or VPN. There is no direct impact on confidentiality or integrity, so data theft or manipulation is not a concern. However, repeated exploitation could cause persistent outages, impacting productivity and potentially leading to financial losses or reputational damage for organizations dependent on this hardware.

To mitigate CVE-2024-51001, organizations should immediately restrict access to the router's management interface to trusted administrators only, preferably via secure management VLANs or VPNs. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit exposure of the device to untrusted users. Monitoring network traffic for unusual POST requests targeting ddns.cgi can help detect exploitation attempts. Since no official patch is currently available, consider temporarily disabling dynamic DNS features if feasible or replacing the affected firmware with a more secure version once released by Netgear. Additionally, implement routine firmware update policies and subscribe to vendor advisories to receive timely patches. Employ network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) with signatures for buffer overflow attempts targeting router CGI endpoints. Finally, conduct regular security assessments of network devices to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively.