CVE-2023-41182 in ProSAFE Network Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System ZipUtils Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System. Although authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability, the existing authentication mechanism can be bypassed.
The specific flaw exists within the ZipUtils class. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-19716.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2025
The CVE-2023-41182 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This vulnerability resides in the ZipUtils class implementation and demonstrates a classic path traversal weakness that has been classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because while it requires authentication to exploit, the existing authentication mechanisms can be bypassed, making it accessible to attackers who can gain initial access through other means. The affected system operates with elevated privileges, as exploitation allows code execution in the context of SYSTEM, which represents the highest level of privilege within Windows environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the ZipUtils class where user-supplied paths are not properly sanitized before being used in file operations. When processing zip files, the system fails to validate or sanitize the paths contained within the archive, allowing attackers to craft malicious zip files containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can navigate outside the intended directory structure. This flaw directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables arbitrary code execution through the manipulation of file paths. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by the fact that the authentication bypass capability means that an attacker who can authenticate to the system may be able to leverage this weakness even if they cannot directly access the administrative interface through normal means.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected network management system. Since the system operates in the SYSTEM context, successful exploitation allows attackers to install persistent backdoors, modify network configurations, access sensitive network data, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other devices within the network. The vulnerability affects the core network management functionality of the ProSAFE system, which typically handles critical network monitoring and configuration tasks, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to maintain long-term access to network infrastructure. Network administrators should be particularly concerned about the potential for lateral movement and the ability to use the compromised system as a command and control center for broader network attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-41182 should include immediate deployment of vendor patches or updates that address the path traversal vulnerability in the ZipUtils class implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the ProSAFE management system to authorized personnel only, while ensuring that authentication mechanisms are properly configured and monitored for unusual access patterns. The implementation of network access controls and firewall rules to restrict access to management ports and services can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential authentication bypass opportunities and ensure that proper access controls are in place. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous file operations or path traversal attempts within the network management system, as these activities may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-22 and its potential for privilege escalation through SYSTEM context execution underscores the importance of comprehensive security measures that address both the immediate technical flaw and broader network security posture.