ProSAFE Network Management System: Improper Authentication
CVE-2023-38096 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in ProSAFE Network Management System from NETGEAR, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 1.7.0.20 as the first without the flaw, so updating ProSAFE Network Management System to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 82% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 0.34% of all scored CVEs.
Exploitation in the next 30 days is more likely than not, according to EPSS.
What to do
- Update ProSAFE Network Management System to 1.7.0.20 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on kb.netgear.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR | ProSAFE Network Management System | 1.7.0.12 (Win64); before 1.7.0.20 | 1.7.0.20 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.0 | 9.8 | Critical | CNA (trendmicro.com) |
Official description
NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System MyHandlerInterceptor Authentication Bypass Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication on affected installations of NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the MyHandlerInterceptor class. The issue results from improper implementation of the authentication mechanism. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication on the system. . Was ZDI-CAN-19718.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-23-920/Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in ProSAFE Network Management System
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
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