CVE-2013-4657 in WNR3500U
Summary
by MITRE
Symlink Traversal vulnerability in NETGEAR WNR3500U and WNR3500L due to misconfiguration in the SMB service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The CVE-2013-4657 vulnerability represents a critical symlink traversal flaw affecting NETGEAR WNR3500U and WNR3500L wireless routers. This vulnerability stems from improper configuration of the SMB (Server Message Block) service within the router's firmware, creating a pathway for unauthorized file system access. The issue manifests when the SMB service fails to properly validate symbolic link references, allowing remote attackers to traverse the file system and potentially access sensitive system files or directories that should remain protected. This misconfiguration creates a fundamental security gap in the router's access control mechanisms, particularly affecting the network's internal file sharing capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent weaknesses in how the SMB service processes symbolic links, enabling attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal file system restrictions. When the router processes these crafted requests, it follows symbolic links without proper validation, potentially leading to directory traversal attacks that can expose system configuration files, user credentials, or other sensitive data stored within the router's file system. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring physical access or authentication to the device itself. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-36 (Absolute Path Traversal) and CWE-22 (Path Traversal) classifications, demonstrating how improper input validation in network services can create severe security implications.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4657 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain deeper access to the router's internal systems. This vulnerability creates potential pathways for persistent access, allowing threat actors to establish footholds within the network infrastructure. Network administrators may experience unauthorized access to shared resources, potential data exfiltration, and compromised network integrity. The vulnerability affects both the WNR3500U and WNR3500L models, indicating a widespread issue within NETGEAR's product line that requires immediate attention. Organizations relying on these devices for network infrastructure may face significant security risks, particularly in environments where the router serves as a central point for file sharing or network management functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR, which would address the SMB service misconfiguration through proper symbolic link validation. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while monitoring for unusual SMB traffic patterns can aid in detecting attempted attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in network services and highlights how seemingly minor configuration issues can create significant security risks. Security professionals should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and ensure that all network devices receive regular security updates. This vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of network infrastructure components, particularly those implementing file sharing protocols that may be vulnerable to traversal attacks.