CVE-2017-18853

Vulnerability

The vulnerability affects password recovery and file access on numerous NETGEAR routers and modem routers. The flaw exists in the firmware's handling of password recovery mechanisms, potentially allowing unauthorized access to files. Affected devices include D8500 (firmware 1.0.3.27 and earlier), DGN2200v4 (1.0.0.82 and earlier), R6300v2 (1.0.4.06 and earlier), R6400 (1.0.1.20 and earlier), R6400v2 (1.0.2.18 and earlier), R6700 (1.0.1.22 and earlier), R6900 (1.0.1.20 and earlier), R7000 (1.0.7.10 and earlier), R7000P (1.0.0.58 and earlier), R7100LG (1.0.0.28 and earlier), R7300DST (1.0.0.52 and earlier), R7900 (1.0.1.12 and earlier), R8000 (1.0.3.46 and earlier), R8300 (1.0.2.86 and earlier), R8500 (1.0.2.86 and earlier), WNDR3400v3 (1.0.1.8 and earlier), and WNDR4500v2 (1.0.0.62 and earlier) [1].

Exploitation

An attacker with network access to the affected device can exploit the password recovery and file access vulnerability. The exact exploitation steps are not disclosed in the available reference [1]. However, the advisory indicates that the vulnerability is related to the password recovery functionality, which may be triggered by sending specially crafted requests to the device.

Impact

Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to recover passwords or access sensitive files on the device. This can lead to unauthorized administrative access and compromise of the network [1].

Mitigation

NETGEAR has released firmware updates to address this vulnerability. Affected users should download and install the latest firmware for their specific device from the NETGEAR Support page. No workarounds are available; updating the firmware is the recommended mitigation [1].