NETGEAR Routers Information Disclosure Scanner

NETGEAR Routers are widely used in both residential and commercial settings to provide network connectivity and internet access. They are developed by NETGEAR, a company known for producing reliable networking hardware designed to simplify connectivity for individuals and businesses alike. These routers are essential for home networks, small offices, and even enterprise environments, offering a range of features from basic internet access to advanced network management and security functions. With a user-friendly interface, they enable users to set up and manage wireless networks with ease. NETGEAR's products are designed to cater to a variety of needs, from simple plug-and-play setups for home users to more complex solutions for businesses requiring robust network security and management features.

The Information Disclosure vulnerability identified in multiple NETGEAR router models allows unauthorized parties to access sensitive information, such as the router's serial number. This can potentially lead to the compromise of the network if attackers exploit this information to retrieve administrative passwords, particularly when password recovery is not securely configured. Information Disclosure vulnerabilities occur when applications expose sensitive information to unauthorized users, either through poor configuration or software flaws. This particular issue could enable attackers to perform unauthorized actions on the affected device, posing a significant risk to network security. Regularly updating firmware and reviewing device configurations can help mitigate such risks.

Technical details of this vulnerability revolve around how certain URL paths, such as "/rootDesc.xml," may leak sensitive information when accessed. When queried, these paths might return an XML response containing critical tags like "<serialNumber>", which exposes the router's serial number, along with "<deviceType>" and "<modelNumber>". The vulnerability leverages this exposure by employing matchers and extractors to identify and extract sensitive data from the device headers and content sections. The presence of information like device type and model number combined with the serial number can be invaluable to attackers, potentially aiding in further exploits that compromise the device's security.

Exploiting this vulnerability can have severe consequences, mainly if the router's password recovery function is enabled and not adequately secured. Once the serial number is exposed, attackers could manipulate the password recovery process to gain administrative access to the router. This level of access can allow them to change network settings, intercept data, or potentially disable security features, leading to unauthorized use of the network or data theft. The Information Disclosure may also aid attackers in launching more complex attacks, undermining network integrity and user privacy.

REFERENCES

• https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47117