CVE-2024-5246 in ProSAFE Network Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/24/2024
NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System Tomcat 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 product installer. The issue results from the use of a vulnerable version of Apache Tomcat. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-22868.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
The CVE-2024-5246 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System installations that leverages a compromised Apache Tomcat component. This vulnerability exists within the product installer process and specifically targets the underlying web application framework that powers the network management interface. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges on affected systems, effectively providing complete control over the network infrastructure. The vulnerability was identified as part of the ZDI-CAN-22868 tracking system, indicating its recognition within the cybersecurity community as a significant threat to enterprise network management systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the inclusion of a vulnerable Apache Tomcat version within the NETGEAR ProSAFE installer package. When the installer executes, it deploys the vulnerable Tomcat component that contains known security flaws in its request processing and application deployment mechanisms. The flaw manifests when legitimate administrative users perform installation activities, as the installer automatically configures the vulnerable Tomcat instance without proper security hardening. This creates a persistent backdoor that remains active even after the initial installation process completes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, specifically when vulnerable components are integrated into software installations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests that leverage Tomcat's deployment features to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the SYSTEM account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise of network management infrastructure. Network administrators who perform routine maintenance or system updates become unwitting vectors for exploitation, as the vulnerability is triggered during the installation process itself. The SYSTEM-level privileges granted by this vulnerability enable attackers to manipulate network configurations, access sensitive network data, install persistent backdoors, and potentially escalate to other connected systems within the network perimeter. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where centralized network management is critical, as compromising the management system provides attackers with a strategic foothold for broader network infiltration. The attack surface is significantly expanded due to the requirement for authentication, which means that attackers who can obtain legitimate administrative credentials can exploit this vulnerability with minimal additional effort, making it particularly dangerous in environments where credential security may be insufficient.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations that focus on both immediate protection and long-term remediation strategies. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest NETGEAR firmware releases that contain patched versions of the embedded Apache Tomcat component. Network administrators should also consider isolating affected systems from critical network segments and implementing strict access controls for system installation activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of supply chain security, as attackers can exploit flaws in third-party components that are automatically included in software installations. Security teams should monitor for suspicious installation activities and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other instances of vulnerable Tomcat versions within their infrastructure, as this vulnerability may not be isolated to the ProSAFE management system alone. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for application deployment and T1078 for valid accounts, emphasizing the need for both network monitoring and privileged access control measures to prevent exploitation.