CVE-2018-21186 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in certain NETGEAR devices allows authenticated users to exploit the system. This CVE affects various device models and firmware versions.

Understanding CVE-2018-21186

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in NETGEAR devices that can be leveraged by authenticated users to execute a stack-based buffer overflow attack.

What is CVE-2018-21186?

The CVE-2018-21186 vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow issue found in specific NETGEAR devices, enabling authenticated users to potentially compromise the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2018-21186

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 6.8. The impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks, requiring high privileges for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-21186

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in NETGEAR devices allows authenticated users to execute malicious code, potentially leading to system compromise.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following NETGEAR device models and firmware versions are impacted by this vulnerability:

D7800 (before 1.0.1.30)
R6100 (before 1.0.1.20)
R7500v2 (before 1.0.3.24)
R7800 (before 1.0.2.40)
R9000 (before 1.0.2.52)
WNDR3700v4 (before 1.0.2.92)
WNDR4300 (before 1.0.2.94)
WNDR4300v2 (before 1.0.0.50)
WNDR4500v3 (before 1.0.0.50)
WNR2000v5 (before 1.0.0.62)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow, potentially leading to unauthorized access and system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-21186 involves immediate steps and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected devices to the latest firmware versions provided by NETGEAR.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates from NETGEAR.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and firmware updates released by NETGEAR to mitigate the CVE-2018-21186 vulnerability.