CVE-2019-5016: An exploitable arbitrary memory read vulnerability exists in the KCodes NetUSB.ko kernel module which enables

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CRITICAL 9.1REMOTEMITIGATEMITIGATEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2019-5016 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.1) affecting r8000 firmware, r7900 firmware, netusb.ko. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An exploitable arbitrary memory read vulnerability exists in the KCodes NetUSB.ko kernel module which enables the ReadySHARE Printer functionality of at least two NETGEAR Nighthawk Routers and potentially several other vendors/products. A specially crafted index value can cause an invalid memory read, resulting in a denial of service or remote information disclosure. An unauthenticated attacker can send a crafted packet on the local network to tr

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.1 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	3.6% (top 11%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200
Published	2019-06-17
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Talos · Vendor: kcodes · netgear

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-06-17 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:36 UTCUpdated Record last modified

netgear r8000 firmware MITIGATE

Affected: 1.0.4.28_10.1.54

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.4.28_10.1.54

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

netgear r7900 firmware MITIGATE

Affected: 1.0.3.810.037

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.3.810.037

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

kcodes netusb.ko DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.2.66 · 1.0.2.69

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.2.66

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy netusb.ko || rpm -q netusb.ko || netusb.ko --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.2.66 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison netusb.ko sudo apt install netusb.ko=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.2.66> sudo apt-mark hold netusb.ko

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list netusb.ko sudo dnf downgrade netusb.ko-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.2.66> sudo dnf versionlock add netusb.ko

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2019-5016?

r8000 firmware: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; r7900 firmware: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; netusb.ko: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-5016 being exploited?

CVE-2019-5016 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2019-5016 affect?

CVE-2019-5016 affects r8000 firmware, r7900 firmware, netusb.ko. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). An exploitable arbitrary memory read vulnerability exists in the KCodes NetUSB.ko kernel module which enables the ReadySHARE Printer functionality of at least two NETGEAR Nighthawk Routers and potentially several other vendors/products. A s

How urgent is CVE-2019-5016?

Priority 59/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Netgear vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2021-45674 LOW 3.2 UPGRADE UPGRADE Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by stored XSS
CVE-2021-45673 MEDIUM 4.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by stored XSS
CVE-2021-45650 CRITICAL 9.1 UPGRADE UPGRADE Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by disclosure of sensitive information
CVE-2021-45624 CRITICAL 9.6 UPGRADE UPGRADE Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by command injection by an unauthenticated attacker
CVE-2021-45606 MEDIUM 4.5 UPGRADE UPGRADE Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by a stack-based buffer overflow by an authenticated user

References

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