CVE-2018-21159 in ReadyNAS
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR ReadyNAS devices before 6.9.3 are affected by incorrect configuration of security settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2024
CVE-2018-21159 represents a critical security misconfiguration vulnerability affecting NETGEAR ReadyNAS devices prior to firmware version 6.9.3. This vulnerability stems from improper security settings configuration within the device's management interface, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw specifically impacts the device's authentication and authorization mechanisms, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive system functions and data. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-276 which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, indicating that the device's security controls are improperly configured to restrict access to privileged functions. This misconfiguration could enable attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain administrative privileges without proper authentication, fundamentally compromising the device's security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the device's web-based management interface where security settings are not properly enforced. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to access restricted administrative functions, modify system configurations, or gain unauthorized access to stored data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it affects the fundamental security model of the device, potentially allowing for privilege escalation attacks. The flaw likely involves improper default configurations or missing security controls within the device's user management system, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate access controls and bypass authentication mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in network-attached storage environments where devices often contain sensitive corporate or personal data.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-21159 is significant for organizations relying on NETGEAR ReadyNAS devices for storage solutions. Affected devices could become entry points for broader network attacks, allowing adversaries to establish persistent access to storage resources and potentially use the compromised devices as launch points for lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability affects both local and remote access scenarios, meaning that attackers could exploit it from external network positions or within internal network boundaries. Organizations using these devices face risks of data breaches, unauthorized data modification, and potential system compromise that could result in service disruption or regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to complete system takeover, making it a critical concern for enterprises and organizations managing sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-21159 primarily involve upgrading to NETGEAR firmware version 6.9.3 or later, which addresses the security configuration issues through proper enforcement of access controls and authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to affected devices, enforce strong authentication practices, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar misconfigurations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, as attackers could leverage the misconfigured security settings to obtain unauthorized access and escalate privileges. Additional defensive measures include implementing network monitoring to detect unusual access patterns, disabling unnecessary services, and ensuring proper firewall rules are in place to restrict access to management interfaces. Regular firmware updates and security audits remain essential practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising storage infrastructure.