CVE-2018-21094 in WAC120
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by incorrect configuration of security settings. This affects WAC120 before 2.1.7, WAC505 before 5.0.5.4, WAC510 before 5.0.5.4, WNAP320 before 3.7.11.4, WNAP210v2 before 3.7.11.4, WNDAP350 before 3.7.11.4, WNDAP360 before 3.7.11.4, WNDAP660 before 3.7.11.4, WNDAP620 before 2.1.7, WND930 before 2.1.5, and WN604 before 3.3.10.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical configuration weakness in NETGEAR wireless access point and controller devices that undermines fundamental network security controls. The affected devices include a range of WAC and WNDAP series access points along with various WNAP models, all sharing a common flaw in their security parameter implementation. The vulnerability stems from improper configuration of security settings that leaves devices exposed to unauthorized access and potential network compromise. According to the CVE description, specific firmware versions before the mentioned updates remain vulnerable, indicating this is a known issue that was addressed through software patches. The security misconfiguration affects multiple device families across different generations, suggesting a systemic problem rather than an isolated incident.
The technical flaw manifests as inadequate security parameter configuration that fails to properly enforce authentication mechanisms and access controls. This misconfiguration creates potential attack vectors for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to network management interfaces and device configurations. The vulnerability directly impacts the device's ability to maintain secure communication channels and properly authenticate legitimate users versus unauthorized parties. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper security hardening practices. The affected devices typically operate in enterprise and small business environments where network security is paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could enable attackers to compromise entire network infrastructures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially enable full network compromise and lateral movement within affected environments. Attackers could exploit the misconfigured security settings to modify device configurations, intercept network traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network. This vulnerability particularly affects wireless access points that serve as gateways between wired and wireless networks, making them prime targets for network infiltration. The widespread nature of affected device models suggests that numerous organizations may be exposed to this risk, potentially affecting thousands of network endpoints across different industries. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where these devices are deployed without proper network segmentation or additional security controls.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates to the specified versions that address the security configuration flaws. Network administrators must conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices across their networks and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-259: Use of Hard-coded Password and CWE-798: Use of Hard-coded Credentials, indicating that the security misconfiguration involves hardcoded or improperly configured authentication parameters. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Additional security measures including regular security audits, network monitoring, and enforcement of secure configuration baselines should be implemented. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under Initial Access and Credential Access tactics, as attackers could leverage it to gain unauthorized access to network resources and potentially escalate privileges within the affected network infrastructure.