CVE-2017-18755
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability affecting multiple NETGEAR router and modem-router models. Attackers can trick authenticated users into performing unauthorized actions on their router's web interface. The vulnerability affects users running outdated firmware versions on the listed NETGEAR devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR R6300v2
- R6400v2
- R6700
- R6900
- R7000P
- R6900P
- R7300
- R8300
- R8500
- DGN2200v4
- DGND2200Bv4
- R6050
- JR6150
- R6220
- WNDR3700v5
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could change router settings, redirect DNS, enable remote administration, or reset the device to factory defaults, potentially gaining full control of the network.
Likely Case
Attackers could modify DNS settings to redirect traffic to malicious sites, change Wi-Fi passwords, or disable security features.
If Mitigated
With proper CSRF protections and network segmentation, impact is limited to configuration changes that can be reversed by the legitimate owner.
🎯 Exploit Status
CSRF attacks require the victim to be authenticated to the router admin interface and visit a malicious webpage.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: See NETGEAR advisory for specific patched versions per model
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000051493/Security-Advisory-for-Cross-Site-Request-Forgery-on-Routers-and-Modem-Routers-PSV-2017-0333
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router admin interface. 2. Navigate to firmware update section. 3. Download latest firmware from NETGEAR support site. 4. Upload and install firmware update. 5. Reboot router after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Use Incognito/Private Browsing
allAccess router admin interface only in private browsing mode to reduce CSRF risk
Log Out After Configuration
allAlways log out of router admin interface after making changes
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment router management to separate VLAN
- Use browser extensions that block CSRF attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current firmware version in router admin interface and compare with patched versions in NETGEAR advisoryCheck Version:
Log into router web interface and check firmware version in Advanced > Administration or similar sectionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version matches or exceeds patched version listed in NETGEAR advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected configuration changes in router logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by configuration changes
Network Indicators:
- DNS server changes to unfamiliar IPs
- Unexpected port forwarding rules
SIEM Query:
Search for router configuration changes from non-trusted IP addresses