CVE-2023-44449
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated remote attackers to perform SQL injection through the clearAlertByIds function in NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System. Successful exploitation enables privilege escalation to access protected resources. Affected users are those running vulnerable versions of NETGEAR NMS300.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System 300 (NMS300)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attacker gains administrative privileges, potentially compromising the entire network management system and connected devices.
Likely Case
Authenticated attacker escalates privileges to access sensitive network configuration data and management functions.
If Mitigated
Attack fails due to proper input validation or network segmentation limiting access.
🎯 Exploit Status
SQL injection vulnerabilities are commonly weaponized. Authentication requirement adds a barrier but doesn't prevent exploitation by authenticated attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.7.0.17
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000065866/Security-Advisory-for-Multiple-Vulnerabilities-on-the-NMS300-PSV-2023-0114-PSV-2023-0115
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download NMS300 version 1.7.0.17 from NETGEAR support site. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install the update following vendor instructions. 4. Restart the NMS300 service.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allRestrict access to NMS300 management interface to trusted IP addresses only.
Input Validation Enhancement
allImplement application-level input validation for clearAlertByIds parameters.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit who can reach the NMS300 management interface.
- Monitor for unusual SQL queries or privilege escalation attempts in application logs.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check NMS300 version in web interface or via system information. Versions below 1.7.0.17 are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check web interface at http://<nms-ip>:8080 or consult system documentation for version check.Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 1.7.0.17 or higher in system information.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by clearAlertByIds calls
- Unexpected privilege changes in user accounts
Network Indicators:
- SQL injection patterns in HTTP POST requests to clearAlertByIds endpoint
- Unusual outbound connections from NMS300 system
SIEM Query:
source="nms300" AND (http_uri="*clearAlertByIds*" AND http_method="POST" AND (http_body="*' OR *" OR http_body="*;--*"))🔗 References
- https://kb.netgear.com/000065866/Security-Advisory-for-Multiple-Vulnerabilities-on-the-NMS300-PSV-2023-0114-PSV-2023-0115
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-23-1717/
- https://kb.netgear.com/000065866/Security-Advisory-for-Multiple-Vulnerabilities-on-the-NMS300-PSV-2023-0114-PSV-2023-0115
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-23-1717/
