CVE-2017-18778

Vulnerability

A security misconfiguration vulnerability exists in numerous NETGEAR routers and gateways, including D6220 (before 1.0.0.28), D6400 (before 1.0.0.60), D7000 (before 1.0.1.52), D7000v2 (before 1.0.0.38), D7800 (before 1.0.1.24), D8500 (before 1.0.3.29), JNR1010v2 (before 1.1.0.44), JR6150 (before 1.0.1.14), JWNR2010v5 (before 1.1.0.44), PR2000 (before 1.0.0.20), R6050 (before 1.0.1.14), R6220 (before 1.1.0.60), R6400 (before 1.1.0.26), R6400v2 (before 1.0.2.46), R6700v2 (before 1.2.0.2), R6800 (before 1.2.0.2), R6900v2 (before 1.2.0.2), R7100LG (before 1.0.0.32), R7300DST (before 1.0.0.56), R7500 (before 1.0.0.112), R7500v2 (before 1.0.3.24), R7800 (before 1.0.2.36), R7900P (before 1.1.4.6), R8000P (before 1.1.4.6), R8300 (before 1.0.2.104), R8500 (before 1.0.2.104), R9000 (before 1.0.2.52), WNDR3700v4 (before 1.0.2.94), WNDR3700v5 (before 1.1.0.50), WNDR4300v1 (before 1.0.2.96), WNDR4300v2 (before 1.0.0.52), WNDR4500v3 (before 1.0.0.52), WNR1000v4 (before 1.1.0.44), WNR2020 (before 1.1.0.44), and WNR2050 (before 1.1.0.44). The exact nature of the incorrect security configuration is not publicly detailed, but the vulnerability stems from settings on the device that are not properly hardened [1]. No special configuration beyond default operation is required to expose the flaw.

Exploitation

According to the vendor advisory, the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication; an attacker on the same network or from the WAN side may leverage the misconfigured security settings to gain unauthorized access [1]. No user interaction is required. The specific steps are not disclosed, but the advisory indicates that the misconfiguration allows bypass of intended security controls.

Impact

Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to device configuration or management interfaces, potentially resulting in information disclosure or further compromise of the network [1]. The attacker could gain elevated privileges (administrative access) on the affected device, depending on the specific misconfiguration.

Mitigation

NETGEAR has released fixed firmware versions for all affected products, as listed in the advisory [1]. Users should update their device firmware to the specified patched version or later. No workaround is provided; the vulnerability is remediated only by applying the firmware update. The affected devices are not listed on the CISA KEV as of this writing. If a device is end-of-life and no firmware is available, replacement is recommended.