CVE-2024-52024 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in several Netgear router models: XR300 v1.0.3.78, R7000P v1.3.3.154, and R6400 v2 1.0.4.128. The vulnerability resides in the wizpppoe.cgi web interface, specifically in the processing of the pppoe_localip parameter. When a specially crafted POST request is sent to this CGI endpoint, it triggers a stack overflow condition due to improper bounds checking of the input. This overflow can cause the router's web service or the device itself to crash or become unresponsive, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS). The vulnerability requires an attacker to have access to the network where the router is reachable, and low-level privileges are sufficient to exploit it; no user interaction is necessary. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.7, reflecting a medium severity primarily due to the impact on availability and the requirement for some privileges and network access. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no official patches or firmware updates have been released at the time of publication. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-120 (Classic Buffer Overflow), indicating a common programming error in input validation and memory management. The affected devices are popular consumer and small business routers, often deployed in home and office environments. The lack of confidentiality or integrity impact means attackers cannot gain control or extract sensitive data via this flaw, but the DoS impact can disrupt network connectivity and business operations.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-52024 is the disruption of network availability due to the Denial of Service condition caused by the stack overflow. Organizations relying on the affected Netgear routers may experience temporary loss of internet connectivity or internal network access, which can affect business continuity, especially in small offices or home office setups where these devices are common. Although the vulnerability does not allow for data theft or device takeover, the DoS can interrupt critical services, remote work, VoIP communications, and other network-dependent operations. Attackers with network access could exploit this vulnerability to repeatedly crash routers, causing persistent outages. This could be leveraged as part of a broader attack to degrade organizational infrastructure or as a nuisance attack against individuals. The absence of known exploits and patches currently limits immediate widespread impact, but the presence of a publicly disclosed vulnerability increases the risk of future exploitation attempts.

To mitigate CVE-2024-52024, organizations should first monitor Netgear’s official channels for firmware updates or patches addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. Until patches are released, network administrators should restrict access to router management interfaces, especially the wizpppoe.cgi endpoint, by limiting access to trusted IP addresses or VLANs and disabling remote management if not required. Implementing network segmentation can reduce exposure by isolating vulnerable devices from untrusted networks or the internet. Intrusion detection or prevention systems (IDS/IPS) can be configured to detect and block suspicious POST requests targeting the pppoe_localip parameter. Regularly auditing router configurations and monitoring logs for unusual activity can help identify attempted exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying redundant network paths or failover mechanisms to maintain connectivity in case of router outages. Educating users about the risks of unauthorized network access and enforcing strong network access controls will further reduce the likelihood of exploitation.