CVE-2024-51022 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Netgear XR300 router firmware version 1.0.3.78. The vulnerability is located in the bridge_wireless_main.cgi script, specifically in the processing of the ssid parameter. When a specially crafted POST request is sent to this CGI endpoint, the input is not properly bounds-checked, leading to a stack overflow condition. This overflow can cause the device to crash or reboot, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability requires low attack complexity, with no user interaction needed, but does require the attacker to have some level of privileges (PR:L) and network access (AV:A), meaning the attacker must be on the local network or connected via VPN. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:A/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H) reflects that the vulnerability impacts availability only, with no confidentiality or integrity impact. The flaw is categorized under CWE-120, a common weakness enumeration for classic buffer overflows, which are often exploitable for DoS or potentially code execution if further conditions are met. Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild, and no official patches have been released. The vulnerability was reserved on 2024-10-28 and published on 2024-11-05. Organizations using this router model should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate risk until a patch is available.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-51022 is a denial of service condition on affected Netgear XR300 routers. This can disrupt network connectivity for organizations relying on these devices, potentially affecting business operations, especially in environments where these routers serve as critical network infrastructure or wireless access points. Since the vulnerability requires low privileges but network access, attackers who gain internal network access or VPN access could exploit this flaw to cause service interruptions. The lack of confidentiality or integrity impact limits the risk to data breaches or manipulation, but availability disruption can lead to operational downtime, loss of productivity, and potential cascading effects on dependent systems. In environments with high availability requirements, such as enterprise networks, educational institutions, or small businesses, this vulnerability could cause significant inconvenience and operational risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation. The lack of a patch means organizations must rely on compensating controls, increasing the operational burden.

Until an official patch is released by Netgear, organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Restrict network access to the router’s management interfaces, especially the bridge_wireless_main.cgi endpoint, by using firewall rules or access control lists (ACLs) to limit access to trusted IP addresses only. 2) Disable remote management features if not required, to reduce exposure to remote attackers. 3) Monitor network traffic for unusual POST requests targeting the bridge_wireless_main.cgi endpoint, using intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with custom signatures to detect potential exploitation attempts. 4) Segment the network to isolate critical infrastructure and limit lateral movement opportunities for attackers who gain internal access. 5) Enforce strong authentication and VPN access controls to reduce the risk of unauthorized internal access. 6) Regularly review router logs for signs of crashes or reboots that may indicate exploitation attempts. 7) Stay alert for official firmware updates from Netgear and apply patches promptly once available. 8) Consider temporary replacement or additional redundancy for affected devices in critical environments to mitigate potential downtime.