CVE-2023-2392 in SRX5308
Summary
by MITRE • 04/29/2023
A vulnerability was found in Netgear SRX5308 up to 4.3.5-3. It has been classified as problematic. Affected is an unknown function of the file scgi-bin/platform.cgi?page=time_zone.htm of the component Web Management Interface. The manipulation of the argument ManualDate.minutes 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. VDB-227670 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-2023-2392 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the Netgear SRX5308 network security appliance firmware version 4.3.5-3 and earlier. This issue resides within the web management interface component, specifically in the scgi-bin/platform.cgi script that handles time zone configuration parameters. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly affecting the ManualDate.minutes parameter which is processed without proper security controls. The affected system operates as a network security gateway that provides centralized management through a web interface, making it a prime target for remote exploitation by malicious actors seeking to compromise network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the web application through the time zone configuration page, specifically targeting the ManualDate.minutes parameter. When the web interface processes this parameter without adequate sanitization, it creates an environment where malicious JavaScript code can be executed in the context of authenticated users' browsers. This cross site scripting vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the trust relationship between the web interface and its users, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code within the browser context of legitimate users who access the management interface. The vulnerability's classification as remotely exploitable means that no authentication or local access is required to initiate the attack vector, making it particularly dangerous in network environments where the management interface is accessible from external networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, data exfiltration, and further network reconnaissance. Network administrators who access the web management interface may unknowingly execute malicious scripts that could steal session cookies, redirect traffic, or provide attackers with persistent access to the device. The vulnerability's disclosure status and public availability of exploitation techniques significantly increases the risk to affected organizations, as attackers can readily leverage existing exploit code without requiring advanced technical skills. This threat is compounded by the fact that the device manufacturer did not respond to early disclosure attempts, indicating potential delays in patch development or remediation efforts that leave networks exposed for extended periods.
Security professionals should immediately implement network segmentation to restrict access to the web management interface, ensuring that only authorized administrative networks can reach the device management ports. Network access control lists should be configured to limit exposure of the affected interface to trusted IP ranges, while implementing additional monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns. The most effective mitigation involves applying the latest firmware updates from Netgear that address this specific cross site scripting vulnerability, though organizations should maintain awareness of the device's exposure during any patch deployment window. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, and consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces to reduce attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross Site Scripting and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating the potential for attackers to establish persistent access through the compromised management interface. The lack of vendor response underscores the importance of proactive security measures and the need for organizations to maintain their own patch management processes when vendor support is unavailable.