CVE-2018-21229 in R7500v2
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by incorrect configuration of security settings. This affects R7500v2 before 1.0.3.20, R7800 before 1.0.2.38, WN3000RPv3 before 1.0.2.50, WNDR4300v2 before 1.0.0.50, and WNDR4500v3 before 1.0.0.50.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2024
This vulnerability affects multiple NETGEAR router models including R7500v2, R7800, WN3000RPv3, WNDR4300v2, and WNDR4500v3, all of which contain security misconfigurations that could allow unauthorized access to network devices. The issue stems from improper security settings that are not properly configured during the device initialization or firmware update process. These affected devices were shipped with default configurations that failed to implement proper security controls, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to compromise network infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified as a configuration flaw that exists within the device firmware itself rather than being a network protocol issue or software bug. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, this represents a weakness in security configuration that falls under CWE-16 - Configuration, which encompasses various issues related to improper system configuration that can lead to security vulnerabilities. The affected firmware versions indicate that this was not a one-time issue but rather a persistent problem that required multiple firmware updates to address properly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to network devices, potentially leading to complete network compromise. Attackers could exploit these misconfigurations to modify network settings, intercept traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects enterprise and home network environments where these routers are deployed, creating potential risks for data exfiltration, man-in-the-middle attacks, and unauthorized network access. The security misconfigurations could enable attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, modify router settings, or even gain administrative privileges on the affected devices. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1072 - Software Deployment Tools, as attackers could potentially use the compromised devices as entry points to deploy additional malicious software or tools within the network. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential network-wide infiltration, as routers serve as critical network infrastructure components that control traffic flow and access to internal systems.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR to address the security configuration issues. Network administrators should verify that all affected devices have been updated to the latest firmware versions that resolve the misconfigured security settings. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and access control measures can help detect unauthorized changes to router configurations. The recommended approach includes changing default credentials, disabling unnecessary services, and implementing proper network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromise. Security professionals should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify any other misconfigured network devices that might be affected by similar issues. According to industry best practices for network security, organizations should establish firmware update policies that ensure all network devices receive timely security patches, particularly for critical vulnerabilities that affect core infrastructure components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure device provisioning and the need for manufacturers to implement proper security hardening during the device manufacturing process to prevent such misconfigurations from occurring in the first place.