CVE-2018-21207 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An unauthorized attacker can exploit a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in several NETGEAR devices.

Understanding CVE-2018-21207

What is CVE-2018-21207?

Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated attacker to exploit the issue. The impacted models include D3600, D6000, D7800, EX2700, R6100, R7500, R7500v2, R7800, R9000, WN2000RPTv3, WN3000RPv3, WN3100RPv2, WNDR3700v4, WNDR4300, WNDR4300v2, and WNDR4500v3.

The Impact of CVE-2018-21207

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level with significant impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-21207

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow that can be exploited by an unauthorized attacker.

Affected Systems and Versions

D3600 (versions prior to 1.0.0.67)
D6000 (versions prior to 1.0.0.67)
D7800 (versions prior to 1.0.1.30)
EX2700 (versions prior to 1.0.1.28)
R6100 (versions prior to 1.0.1.20)
R7500 (versions prior to 1.0.0.118)
R7500v2 (versions prior to 1.0.3.24)
R7800 (versions prior to 1.0.2.40)
R9000 (versions prior to 1.0.2.52)
WN2000RPTv3 (versions prior to 1.0.1.20)
WN3000RPv3 (versions prior to 1.0.2.50)
WN3100RPv2 (versions prior to 1.0.0.56)
WNDR3700v4 (versions prior to 1.0.2.96)
WNDR4300 (versions prior to 1.0.2.98)
WNDR4300v2 (versions prior to 1.0.0.50)
WNDR4500v3 (versions prior to 1.0.0.50)

Exploitation Mechanism

The attack complexity is low, with an adjacent network attack vector. The vulnerability does not require privileges and has a high impact on availability, confidentiality, and integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by NETGEAR for the affected devices.
Monitor vendor communications for updates and security advisories.
Restrict network access to vulnerable devices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software on network devices.
Implement network segmentation to isolate critical devices.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected devices are updated with the latest firmware and security patches.