CVE-2018-21143 in GS810EMX
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR GS810EMX devices before 1.0.0.5 are affected by disclosure of sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-21143 affects NETGEAR GS810EMX network switches running firmware versions prior to 1.0.0.5, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system data to unauthorized parties. This vulnerability resides within the device's web-based management interface and stems from improper access controls that fail to adequately validate user permissions before exposing administrative functions and system configuration details. The affected device model operates as a managed Layer 2 switch with 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, commonly deployed in enterprise environments where network security is paramount. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to access sensitive information through crafted HTTP requests that bypass normal authentication mechanisms, potentially exposing network topology details, user credentials, and configuration parameters that could facilitate further attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic access control bypass issue that maps to CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization within software applications. The vulnerability occurs due to insufficient validation of session tokens and authentication states within the web interface, allowing attackers to manipulate request parameters to gain access to restricted administrative functions. When users attempt to access certain management pages, the application fails to properly verify whether the current session possesses sufficient privileges to view the requested information, creating a path for unauthorized data exposure. This flaw particularly affects the switch's configuration management interface where sensitive parameters such as VLAN settings, port configurations, and user account details are accessible through predictable URL patterns that do not require proper authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed data could enable attackers to conduct more sophisticated attacks within the network environment. Network administrators who rely on these switches for critical infrastructure may face significant risks when attackers can access configuration details that reveal network architecture, identify active services, and potentially extract credentials stored within the device's memory. The vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise networks where these switches serve as core components of the network infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to map network topologies, identify vulnerable services, and plan subsequent attacks against other network segments. The exposure of administrative credentials or configuration parameters could lead to complete network compromise, as attackers could manipulate switch settings to redirect traffic, disable security features, or establish persistent access points within the network.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to version 1.0.0.5 or later, which address the authentication bypass vulnerability through proper session validation and access control enforcement. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit access to management interfaces, ensuring that only authorized administrative workstations can reach the switch management ports. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that detect unusual access patterns to management interfaces can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1046 for network service scanning and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the exposed information to establish persistent access and conduct reconnaissance activities. Security teams should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms for switch management interfaces and regularly audit access logs to detect unauthorized access attempts. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing proper network security controls to prevent unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure components.