CVE-2018-21169 in D7000
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by incorrect configuration of security settings. This affects D7000 before 2018-03-01, D7800 before 1.0.1.31, D8500 before 1.0.3.36, JNR1010v2 before 1.1.0.46, JR6150 before 1.0.1.14, JWNR2010v5 before 1.1.0.46, PR2000 before 2018-03-01, R6050 before 1.0.1.14, R6220 before 1.1.0.60, R6400 before 1.1.0.26, R6400v2 before 1.0.2.46, R6700v2 before 1.2.0.2, R6800 before 1.2.0.2, R6900v2 before 1.2.0.2, R7300DST before 1.0.0.56, R7500 before 1.0.0.112, R7500v2 before 1.0.3.24, R7800 before 1.0.2.36, R7900P before 1.1.4.6, R8000P before 1.1.4.6, R8300 before 1.0.2.104, R8500 before 1.0.2.104, R9000 before 1.0.2.52, WNDR3700v4 before 1.0.2.94, WNDR3700v5 before 1.1.0.50, WNDR4300 before 1.0.2.96, WNDR4300v2 before 1.0.0.52, WNDR4500v3 before 1.0.0.52, WNR1000v4 before 1.1.0.46, WNR2020 before 1.1.0.46, and WNR2050 before 1.1.0.46.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical configuration flaw in NETGEAR networking equipment that undermines fundamental security controls through improper implementation of security settings. The affected devices span multiple router models including the D7000, D7800, D8500, and various R-series and J-series models, with specific version thresholds indicating when patches were applied. The vulnerability falls under the category of misconfigured security settings that can be categorized as CWE-16 - Configuration, specifically relating to improper access control mechanisms and security parameter implementation. This misconfiguration allows unauthorized access to device management interfaces and potentially exposes sensitive network configurations to malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate security parameter configuration that permits unauthorized users to access administrative functions without proper authentication mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain full administrative control over affected devices, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects devices that serve as primary network gateways, providing attackers with potential entry points to entire network infrastructures. The scope of impact extends beyond individual device compromise to encompass broader network security implications, as these devices often serve as central points for network traffic control and access management.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on affected NETGEAR devices for network infrastructure. The potential for unauthorized access to network management interfaces enables attackers to modify firewall rules, change network configurations, install malicious firmware, or establish backdoor access points. Network administrators face the challenge of identifying all affected devices across their infrastructure, as the vulnerability affects multiple device families and versions. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these devices are commonly deployed in enterprise, small business, and residential environments, each presenting unique security challenges and potential attack vectors.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR to address the security configuration issues, with particular attention to the specific version thresholds mentioned in the CVE description. Organizations should implement comprehensive network inventory procedures to identify all affected devices and prioritize patching based on risk assessment. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, while access control policies should be reviewed to ensure that administrative interfaces are not accessible from untrusted networks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1072 - Software Deployment Tools, as attackers may leverage compromised devices to deploy additional malicious software or establish persistent access. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security configuration management and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53, particularly in the areas of access control and configuration management.
Security practitioners should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining devices that may not have been properly updated, while implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security audits of network infrastructure components, particularly those that are critical to network operations and security. Organizations should establish procedures for tracking firmware updates and maintaining current security configurations across all network devices. The incident underscores the importance of continuous security monitoring and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches for all network infrastructure components to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.