CVE-2018-21209 in JNR1010v2
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by reflected XSS. This affects JNR1010v2 before 1.1.0.46, JR6150 before 1.0.1.10, JWNR2010v5 before 1.1.0.46, PR2000 before 1.0.0.20, R6050 before 1.0.1.10, R6220 before 1.1.0.60, WNDR3700v5 before 1.1.0.50, 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 • 06/04/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2018-21209 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple NETGEAR networking devices, specifically targeting the web-based management interfaces of various router models. This vulnerability resides in the authentication and input validation mechanisms of the affected firmware versions, creating a persistent security gap that allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into the device's web interface. The reflected nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious payloads are executed when users navigate to specially crafted URLs containing the exploit code, which are then reflected back to the victim's browser through the device's web server responses.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the web interface of affected NETGEAR devices. When these devices process HTTP requests containing unvalidated input, particularly in URL parameters or form fields, the system fails to properly escape or filter malicious script content before returning it to the user's browser. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and more precisely maps to CWE-749 which covers the exposure of a function with dangerous capabilities. The flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing JavaScript code that gets executed in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially compromising the device's management interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions, steal administrative credentials, and potentially gain unauthorized access to the network infrastructure. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to perform actions such as modifying device configurations, creating new user accounts, or redirecting users to malicious websites. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices are typically accessible from both internal networks and the internet, making them prime targets for remote exploitation. The vulnerability affects a wide range of consumer and small business networking equipment, including models like the JNR1010v2, JR6150, and various WNDR3700v5 and WNR series routers, all of which were shipped with firmware versions prior to the specified updates.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing for Information, as attackers can leverage the XSS flaw to harvest credentials and manipulate device behavior. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to complete network compromise, as administrators may unknowingly execute malicious commands through the compromised web interface. Organizations should prioritize immediate firmware updates to address this vulnerability, as the affected devices represent critical infrastructure components that, when compromised, can provide attackers with persistent access to network resources and potentially enable further attacks against internal systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded networking equipment and the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components.