CVE-2018-21138 in D3600
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by incorrect configuration of security settings. This affects D3600 before 1.0.0.76 and D6000 before 1.0.0.76.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-21138 represents a critical misconfiguration issue affecting NETGEAR D3600 and D6000 router models prior to firmware version 1.0.0.76. This flaw falls under the category of weak security configuration as outlined in CWE-210, where the device fails to properly implement security mechanisms that should protect against unauthorized access and malicious activities. The affected devices operate with default security settings that do not adequately safeguard the network infrastructure, creating potential entry points for attackers seeking to compromise the affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper security parameter configuration within the router firmware, specifically within the web-based management interface and associated network services. This misconfiguration allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the device management functions. The vulnerability manifests through the lack of proper access controls and insufficient security hardening measures that should normally be present in enterprise-grade networking equipment. The issue represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where administrative functions remain accessible without proper authentication or authorization checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-21138 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected routers. This level of access enables threat actors to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability can be exploited through remote network access, making it particularly dangerous as attackers do not require physical proximity to the devices. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1021.001 for remote services access, as the attack surface involves web-based management interfaces and network protocols.
Network security implications are severe given that these devices serve as primary gateways for network traffic, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish footholds within larger network environments. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, monitor network traffic, and potentially escalate privileges to gain access to other network resources. The impact is particularly concerning for enterprise networks where these devices may be managing critical infrastructure connections. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to these vulnerable devices, as the attack surface expands beyond individual device compromise to encompass entire network security postures.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions 1.0.0.76 or later, which address the configuration flaws through proper security hardening and access control implementations. Network administrators must also implement additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized access attempts and configure network access controls to limit exposure of management interfaces to trusted networks only. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security configuration management and regular firmware updates as part of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Organizations should also consider implementing network behavior monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns and unauthorized configuration changes to provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.