CVE-2023-2384 in SRX5308
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2023
A vulnerability was found in Netgear SRX5308 up to 4.3.5-3. It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file scgi-bin/platform.cgi?page=dmz_setup.htm of the component Web Management Interface. The manipulation of the argument dhcp.SecDnsIPByte2 leads to cross site scripting. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-227662 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2384 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the Netgear SRX5308 firewall device firmware version 4.3.5-3 and earlier. This security weakness resides within the web management interface component, specifically in the scgi-bin/platform.cgi file that handles the dmz_setup.htm page. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the dhcp.SecDnsIPByte2 parameter, which is processed through the web interface. The affected device operates with a web-based management system that allows administrators and potentially unauthorized users to interact with the device configuration through HTTP requests. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into the web interface that can execute in the context of other users who view the compromised page, making this a classic cross site scripting vulnerability that can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the network infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote manipulation of the dhcp.SecDnsIPByte2 argument within the web management interface. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing specially formatted input in this parameter, the device fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before rendering it in the web page context. This allows malicious JavaScript code to be executed in the browser of any user who accesses the affected page, particularly during configuration activities such as DMZ setup. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the web interface is accessible over the network, making remote exploitation feasible without requiring physical access to the device. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be initiated through standard web browsing mechanisms, and the vulnerability affects the device's management interface which typically has elevated privileges and access to sensitive network configuration data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it represents a significant threat to network security infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to the firewall's management interface, modify network configurations, establish persistent access points, or redirect traffic through malicious DNS settings. The compromise of a network firewall represents a critical security event that can undermine the entire network's security posture, as firewalls serve as primary defense mechanisms against external threats. The vulnerability's exposure through the web management interface means that any user with network access could potentially exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the management interface is exposed to untrusted networks or where administrative credentials might be compromised through other means. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by potentially compromising Confidentiality through unauthorized access to configuration data, Integrity through unauthorized modifications to network security policies, and Availability through potential disruption of network services.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including network segmentation that isolates management interfaces from untrusted networks, disabling unnecessary web management access, and implementing network access controls that restrict access to the device's management interface. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the firmware to the latest version provided by Netgear, though this requires verification that the update addresses the specific vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific parameter. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross site scripting flaws in web applications, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services through web application vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider conducting network audits to identify all instances of affected Netgear SRX5308 devices and ensure that management interfaces are properly secured through authentication mechanisms, network segmentation, and monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns to critical network infrastructure components.