CVE-2023-38921 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A command injection vulnerability affecting Netgear WG302v2 v5.2.9 and WAG302v2 v5.1.19 has been discovered, posing a risk via the firmwareRestore and firmwareServerip parameters.

Understanding CVE-2023-38921

This section will delve into the details regarding the command injection vulnerability found in the Netgear devices.

What is CVE-2023-38921?

CVE-2023-38921 refers to multiple command injection vulnerabilities present in Netgear WG302v2 and WAG302v2 devices. These vulnerabilities are specifically located in the upgrade_handler function and can be exploited through the firmwareRestore and firmwareServerip parameters.

The Impact of CVE-2023-38921

The existence of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices. This could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or even complete control over the device, posing a severe security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-38921

This section will provide a deeper dive into the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-38921 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to improper validation of user-supplied input in the affected parameters, enabling an attacker to inject malicious commands and potentially take control of the devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Netgear WG302v2 v5.2.9 and WAG302v2 v5.1.19 are confirmed to be affected by these command injection vulnerabilities.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending crafted requests with malicious commands in the firmwareRestore and firmwareServerip parameters, an attacker can exploit the vulnerability and execute arbitrary code on the devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-38921 and enhance the security of your Netgear devices.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to implement vendor-provided patches or security updates to address the identified vulnerabilities promptly. Additionally, restricting network access to the devices and monitoring for any suspicious activities can help mitigate potential risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

To reinforce the security of your devices in the long term, regular security audits, network segmentation, and user training on safe computing practices are crucial. Stay informed about security best practices and emerging threats to proactively protect your network.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for official patches released by Netgear to address the command injection vulnerabilities in WG302v2 v5.2.9 and WAG302v2 v5.1.19. Ensure timely application of these updates to prevent exploitation by malicious actors.