CVE-2018-21178 : Security Advisory and Response

An authenticated user can exploit a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in certain NETGEAR devices, including R7800, R9000, WNDR3700v4, WNDR4300, WNDR4300v2, WNDR4500v3, and WNR2000v5.

Understanding CVE-2018-21178

This CVE involves a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in specific NETGEAR devices.

What is CVE-2018-21178?

An authenticated user can trigger a stack-based buffer overflow in certain NETGEAR devices.
Affected devices include R7800, R9000, WNDR3700v4, WNDR4300, WNDR4300v2, WNDR4500v3, and WNR2000v5.

The Impact of CVE-2018-21178

CVSS Score: 6.8 (Medium)
Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Adjacent Network
Availability Impact: High
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Privileges Required: High
User Interaction: None

Technical Details of CVE-2018-21178

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow in certain NETGEAR devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

R7800 versions earlier than 1.0.2.40
R9000 versions earlier than 1.0.2.52
WNDR3700v4 versions earlier than 1.0.2.92
WNDR4300 versions earlier than 1.0.2.94
WNDR4300v2 versions earlier than 1.0.0.50
WNDR4500v3 versions earlier than 1.0.0.50
WNR2000v5 versions earlier than 1.0.0.62

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated user can exploit the vulnerability through a stack-based buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected devices to the latest firmware versions.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all network devices.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing.

Patching and Updates

NETGEAR has released patches for the affected devices to address the stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability.