CVE-2017-18824 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Several NETGEAR devices are vulnerable to directory traversal, impacting various models including M4300 and M4200 series.

Understanding CVE-2017-18824

This CVE identifies a directory traversal vulnerability affecting specific NETGEAR switch models.

What is CVE-2017-18824?

Directory traversal vulnerability in NETGEAR devices allows unauthorized access to restricted directories.

The Impact of CVE-2017-18824

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 4 (Medium severity) with low confidentiality impact and no integrity impact.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-18824

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

NETGEAR devices are susceptible to directory traversal, enabling attackers to access unauthorized directories.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following NETGEAR models are impacted:

M4300-28G, M4300-52G, M4300-28G-POE+, M4300-52G-POE+
M4300-8X8F, M4300-12X12F, M4300-24X24F, M4300-24X, M4300-48X
M4200, all before version 12.0.2.15

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability locally with low complexity, requiring no privileges and user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-18824 is crucial for maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by NETGEAR promptly.
Restrict network access to vulnerable devices.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories from NETGEAR and apply patches to ensure system security.