CVE-2018-21194 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

NETGEAR devices such as D6100, D7800, R6100, R7500, R7500v2, R7800, R9000, WNDR3700v4, WNDR4300, WNDR4300v2, WNDR4500v3, and WNR2000v5 are vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow when accessed by an authenticated user.

Understanding CVE-2018-21194

This CVE identifies a critical vulnerability in certain NETGEAR devices that could allow an authenticated user to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow.

What is CVE-2018-21194?

The vulnerability in NETGEAR devices could be exploited by an authenticated user to execute arbitrary code or crash the affected device.

The Impact of CVE-2018-21194

The CVSS v3.0 base score for this vulnerability is 6.8, indicating a medium severity issue with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-21194

NETGEAR devices are susceptible to a stack-based buffer overflow due to improper input validation.

Vulnerability Description

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

Affected Systems and Versions

D6100 versions prior to 1.0.0.57
D7800 versions prior to 1.0.1.34
R6100 versions prior to 1.0.1.20
R7500 versions prior to 1.0.0.122
R7500v2 versions prior to 1.0.3.24
R7800 versions prior to 1.0.2.40
R9000 versions prior to 1.0.3.6
WNDR3700v4 versions prior to 1.0.2.92
WNDR4300 versions prior to 1.0.2.94
WNDR4300v2 versions prior to 1.0.0.50
WNDR4500v3 versions prior to 1.0.0.50
WNR2000v5 versions prior to 1.0.0.62

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an authenticated user sending specially crafted requests to the affected NETGEAR devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to secure the affected devices and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by NETGEAR for the affected devices.
Restrict network access to the devices to trusted users only.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software on all network devices.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and security best practices.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches.
Consider using intrusion detection and prevention systems.

Patching and Updates

NETGEAR has released patches to address the vulnerability in the affected device models. It is essential to promptly apply these patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.