CVE-2023-44450 in ProSAFE Network Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System getNodesByTopologyMapSearch SQL Injection Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System. Authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the getNodesByTopologyMapSearch function. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it to construct SQL queries. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-21858.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2025
The CVE-2023-44450 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System that exposes organizations to significant remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the getNodesByTopologyMapSearch function, which processes user input without adequate sanitization or validation before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation practices that permit maliciously crafted payloads to be executed within the database context, ultimately enabling attackers to gain unauthorized control over network management systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials before exploiting the vulnerability, but once authenticated, the impact remains severe as the flaw allows code execution with SYSTEM privileges. This elevated privilege level provides attackers with complete control over the affected network management system, potentially enabling them to manipulate network topology data, access sensitive configuration information, or even compromise other connected network devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of network management infrastructure that relies on NETGEAR ProSAFE systems. Organizations utilizing these devices face potential disruption of network operations, unauthorized access to network topology maps, and the possibility of lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's designation as ZDI-CAN-21858 indicates it was identified through coordinated vulnerability disclosure processes, highlighting the recognized severity and potential for widespread exploitation across enterprise networks that depend on network management systems for operational oversight.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-44450 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to address the SQL injection vulnerability within the getNodesByTopologyMapSearch function. Organizations must implement proper input validation and parameterized query construction to prevent similar issues in future deployments. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should be reinforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while continuous monitoring of network management system activities can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's defense-in-depth principles, particularly focusing on command and control activities that could result from successful SQL injection exploitation.