CVE-2020-5621 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A CSRF vulnerability in NETGEAR switching hubs allows remote attackers to hijack administrator authentication and modify device settings.

Understanding CVE-2020-5621

What is CVE-2020-5621?

This CVE refers to a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability found in NETGEAR switching hubs, specifically affecting GS716Tv2 Firmware version 5.4.2.30 and earlier, and GS724Tv3 Firmware version 5.4.2.30 and earlier. This vulnerability enables malicious actors to manipulate device settings by exploiting unspecified vectors.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5621

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to compromise the authentication of administrators, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the affected switching hubs.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5621

Vulnerability Description

The CSRF vulnerability in NETGEAR switching hubs permits attackers to perform unauthorized actions on the device by forging requests that are treated as legitimate.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple NETGEAR switching hubs
GS716Tv2 Firmware version 5.4.2.30 and earlier
GS724Tv3 Firmware version 5.4.2.30 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by sending crafted requests to the affected devices, tricking administrators into unintentionally executing malicious actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by NETGEAR promptly.
Implement network segmentation to restrict access to the switching hubs.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Educate administrators on CSRF attacks and best security practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the switching hubs are running the latest firmware versions to address the CSRF vulnerability and enhance overall security.