CVE-2018-21230 in D1500
Summary
by MITRE
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by incorrect configuration of security settings. This affects D1500 before 1.0.0.27, D500 before 1.0.0.27, D6100 before 1.0.0.57, D6220 before 1.0.0.40, D6400 before 1.0.0.74, D7000 before 1.0.1.60, D7800 before 1.0.1.34, D8500 before 1.0.3.39, DGN2200v4 before 1.0.0.94, DGN2200Bv4 before 1.0.0.94, EX2700 before 1.0.1.42, EX3700 before 1.0.0.64, EX3800 before 1.0.0.64, EX6000 before 1.0.0.24, EX6100 before 1.0.2.18, EX6120 before 1.0.0.32, EX6130 before 1.0.0.22, EX6150 before 1.0.0.34_1.0.70, EX6200 before 1.0.3.82_1.1.117, EX6400 before 1.0.1.78, EX7000 before 1.0.0.56, EX7300 before 1.0.1., JNR1010v2 before 1.1.0.42, JR6150 before 1.0.1.10, JWNR2010v5 before 1.1.0.42, PR2000 before 1.0.0.22, R6050 before 1.0.1.10, R6100 before 1.0.1.16, R6220 before 1.1.0.50, R6250 before 1.0.4.14, R6300v2 before 1.0.4.12, R6400v2 before 1.0.2.34, R6700 before 1.0.1.26, R6900 before 1.0.1.26, R6900P before 1.2.0.22, R7000 before 1.0.9.6, R7000P before 1.2.0.22, R7100LG before 1.0.0.40, R7300DST before 1.0.0.54, R7500 before 1.0.0.110, R7500v2 before 1.0.3.26, R7800 before 1.0.2.44, R7900 before 1.0.1.26, R8000 before 1.0.3.48, R8300 before 1.0.2.104, R8500 before 1.0.2.104, R9000 before 1.0.3.10, WN2000RPTv3 before 1.0.1.26, WN2500RPv2 before 1.0.1.46, WN3000RPv3 before 1.0.2.66, WN3100RPv2 before 1.0.0.56, WNDR3400v3 before 1.0.1.14, WNDR3700v4 before 1.0.2.96, WNDR3700v5 before 1.1.0.54, WNDR4300 before 1.0.2.98, WNDR4300v2 before 1.0.0.48, WNDR4500v3 before 1.0.0.48, WNR1000v4 before 1.1.0.42, WNR2000v5 before 1.0.0.64, WNR2020 before 1.1.0.42, and WNR2050 before 1.1.0.42.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2025
This vulnerability affects a substantial number of NETGEAR router and wireless access point models, specifically those with firmware versions prior to the specified patches. The issue stems from incorrect configuration of security settings within the affected devices, which creates potential entry points for malicious actors to exploit network vulnerabilities. The affected models span multiple product lines including the D series, EX series, R series, and various other NETGEAR networking equipment. This widespread impact suggests a systemic configuration flaw rather than isolated device-specific issues, indicating that the vulnerability may be present in the firmware development or deployment process across multiple product categories. The vulnerability is classified as a security misconfiguration issue that undermines the device's ability to properly secure network communications and access controls.
The technical flaw manifests in how security settings are implemented within the device firmware, potentially leaving default configurations unchanged or improperly secured. This misconfiguration could include weak default passwords, unsecured administrative interfaces, insufficient encryption protocols, or improperly configured firewall rules. The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to device management interfaces, potentially enabling attackers to modify router settings, intercept network traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This aligns with common security misconfiguration patterns documented in the CWE database under category CWE-276, which deals with incorrect permissions for critical resources. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and proper security hardening that should be applied to network infrastructure devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures. Attackers who successfully exploit these misconfigurations can gain unauthorized administrative access to routers, enabling them to modify routing tables, redirect traffic, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, or establish persistent backdoors within the network. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where these devices serve as network gateways, as it could allow attackers to bypass network security controls and move laterally within the infrastructure. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many of these devices are deployed in residential and small business environments where security monitoring and management may be limited. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1072, which involves the use of remote services for lateral movement, and T1021.001, which covers remote services such as SSH and Telnet that may be accessible due to misconfigured security settings.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to the latest versions that address the security misconfigurations. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls including disabling unnecessary services, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly auditing device configurations. The affected devices should have their administrative interfaces secured with strong passwords, and access should be restricted to authorized personnel only. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar misconfigurations across the network infrastructure, particularly for other networking equipment that may be vulnerable to similar issues. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control policies and ensuring that default credentials are changed immediately upon device deployment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security hardening practices and continuous monitoring of network infrastructure configurations to prevent unauthorized access and maintain network integrity.