CVE-2018-11106
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a pre-authentication command injection vulnerability in NETGEAR wireless controllers' request_handler.php script. Attackers can execute arbitrary commands on affected devices without authentication, potentially gaining full control. Affected models include WC7500, WC7520, WC7600v1, WC7600v2, and WC9500 running outdated firmware.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR WC7500
- NETGEAR WC7520
- NETGEAR WC7600v1
- NETGEAR WC7600v2
- NETGEAR WC9500
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, install malware, pivot to internal networks, and maintain persistent access.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to device takeover, network disruption, and potential data exfiltration from connected systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are patched, network segmentation is implemented, and access controls restrict external connectivity.
🎯 Exploit Status
Pre-authentication exploitation with publicly available proof-of-concept code makes this easily weaponizable by attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: WC7500: 6.5.3.5+, WC7520: 2.5.0.46+, WC7600v1: 6.5.3.5+, WC7600v2: 6.5.3.5+, WC9500: 6.5.3.5+
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest firmware from NETGEAR support site. 2. Log into device web interface. 3. Navigate to Maintenance > Firmware Upgrade. 4. Upload firmware file. 5. Apply update and wait for automatic reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate wireless controllers from internet and restrict access to management interfaces
Access Control Lists
allImplement firewall rules to restrict access to management interfaces
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately isolate affected devices from internet and untrusted networks
- Implement strict network segmentation and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in web interface under Maintenance > Firmware Version or via SSH using 'show version' commandCheck Version:
show version (via SSH) or check web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in vendor advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in system logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful access
- Unexpected process creation
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from wireless controllers
- Traffic to known malicious IPs
- Unexpected SSH or telnet connections
SIEM Query:
source="wireless_controller" AND (event="command_injection" OR event="unauthorized_access" OR process="unexpected_executable")🔗 References
- https://kb.netgear.com/000058243/Security-Advisory-for-Pre-Authentication-Command-Injection-in-request-handler-php-on-Some-Wireless-Controllers-PSV-2018-0051
- https://kb.netgear.com/000058243/Security-Advisory-for-Pre-Authentication-Command-Injection-in-request-handler-php-on-Some-Wireless-Controllers-PSV-2018-0051
