CVE-2024-52016 identifies multiple stack overflow vulnerabilities in the wlg_adv.cgi component of several Netgear routers: R8500 v1.0.2.160, XR300 v1.0.3.78, R7000P v1.3.3.154, and R6400 v2 1.0.4.128. The vulnerabilities arise from improper handling of the apmode_dns1_pri and apmode_dns1_sec parameters in HTTP POST requests, which allow an attacker to overflow the stack memory. This overflow can corrupt the execution flow, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS) by crashing or freezing the device. The CVSS v3.1 score is 5.7 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is adjacent network (AV:A), with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts only availability (A:H) without affecting confidentiality or integrity. The underlying weakness is classified under CWE-120 (Classic Buffer Overflow). Although no public exploits are reported, the vulnerability's presence in widely deployed consumer and small business routers makes it a concern for network reliability. No official patches have been released at the time of publication, necessitating interim mitigations.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-52016 is the disruption of network availability due to router crashes or freezes caused by crafted POST requests exploiting the stack overflow. This can lead to temporary loss of internet connectivity for end users and businesses relying on these Netgear devices. For organizations, especially small to medium enterprises and home offices using these routers as gateways or Wi-Fi access points, this can interrupt business operations, cause productivity loss, and potentially expose them to further risks if fallback or redundancy mechanisms are not in place. Since the vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or integrity, data breaches are unlikely directly from this flaw. However, repeated DoS attacks could be used as a distraction or part of a larger attack campaign. The requirement for some privilege level reduces the risk of remote anonymous exploitation but does not eliminate it, especially in environments where internal threat actors or compromised devices exist.

Organizations should immediately inventory their network to identify affected Netgear router models and firmware versions. Until official patches are released, administrators should restrict access to router management interfaces to trusted networks and users only, ideally via VPN or secure management VLANs. Disable remote management features if not required. Implement network-level protections such as firewall rules to block suspicious POST requests targeting the wlg_adv.cgi endpoint or the specific parameters apmode_dns1_pri and apmode_dns1_sec. Monitor router logs for unusual POST requests or crashes indicative of exploitation attempts. Regularly check Netgear’s official channels for firmware updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. Consider deploying redundant network paths or failover devices to maintain connectivity during potential DoS events. Educate users about the importance of not exposing router management interfaces to the internet and maintaining strong administrative credentials.