CVE-2018-21181 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified in certain NETGEAR devices when accessed by an authenticated user. This vulnerability affects various models and versions of NETGEAR devices.

Understanding CVE-2018-21181

This CVE involves a security issue in NETGEAR devices that could allow an authenticated user to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow.

What is CVE-2018-21181?

The CVE-2018-21181 vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow found in specific NETGEAR devices when accessed by an authenticated user.

The Impact of CVE-2018-21181

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.8, indicating a medium severity issue with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-21181

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2018-21181 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an authenticated user to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow in certain NETGEAR devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following NETGEAR models and versions are affected by this vulnerability:

D7800 (prior to 1.0.1.28)
EX2700 (prior to 1.0.1.32)
EX6200v2 (prior to 1.0.1.56)
R7500v2 (prior to 1.0.3.24)
R7800 (prior to 1.0.2.40)
R9000 (prior to 1.0.3.6)
WN2000RPTv3 (prior to 1.0.1.20)
WN3000RPv3 (prior to 1.0.2.52)
WN3100RPv2 (prior to 1.0.0.42)
WNDR3700v4 (prior to 1.0.2.92)
WNDR4300 (prior to 1.0.2.94)
WNDR4300v2 (prior to 1.0.0.50)
WNDR4500v3 (prior to 1.0.0.50)
WNR2000v5 (prior to 1.0.0.62)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an authenticated user to execute a stack-based buffer overflow attack on the affected NETGEAR devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-21181, users and administrators should take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by NETGEAR for the affected devices.
Monitor vendor communications for updates and security advisories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software on NETGEAR devices.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms and access controls.

Patching and Updates

NETGEAR has released patches to address the CVE-2018-21181 vulnerability. Users should promptly apply these patches to secure their devices.