CVE-2023-2386 in SRX5308
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2023
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in Netgear SRX5308 up to 4.3.5-3. Affected is an unknown function of the file scgi-bin/platform.cgi?page=firewall_logs_email.htm of the component Web Management Interface. The manipulation of the argument smtpServer.toAddr leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-227664. 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-2023-2386 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Netgear SRX5308 firewall device's web management interface. This issue affects versions up to 4.3.5-3 and specifically targets the scgi-bin/platform.cgi component, which handles the firewall_logs_email.htm page. The vulnerability resides in the handling of the smtpServer.toAddr parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into the web interface. This particular weakness falls under CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a critical web application security flaw that enables attackers to execute client-side scripts in the context of other users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the smtpServer.toAddr argument within the web management interface, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the victim's browser when they view the firewall logs email configuration page. This remote attack vector means that an unauthenticated attacker can potentially compromise the device's web interface without requiring physical access or prior authentication. The vulnerability's classification as a remote exploit aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access to systems. The fact that this exploit has been publicly disclosed and is potentially in use significantly increases the risk to organizations that have not yet patched their affected devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it could enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal administrative credentials, or redirect users to malicious sites. Network administrators who rely on the web interface for device management could find their access compromised, potentially leading to complete device takeover. The vulnerability affects the device's web management interface specifically, meaning that while the underlying firewall functionality may remain operational, the administrative access point becomes compromised. Organizations using Netgear SRX5308 devices should immediately assess their network exposure and implement network segmentation to limit access to these management interfaces. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts compounds the risk, as organizations cannot rely on official patches or advisories from Netgear, potentially forcing them to seek third-party security solutions or consider device replacement. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing proper network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.