CVE-2017-6077 is a critical vulnerability found in the NETGEAR DGN2200 devices, specifically impacting firmware versions up to 10.0.0.50. This vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary OS commands via shell metacharacters in the ping_IPAddr field of an HTTP POST request. With a CVSS score of 9.8, it is classified as critical, highlighting the serious implications for affected systems.
The potential for exploitation poses a significant risk to organizations, as this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected devices. The fact that it can be exploited remotely with no user interaction further elevates the urgency for remediation. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there is known exploit availability, and the vulnerability is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog by CISA. As such, it is imperative for organizations using these devices to take swift action to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Given the severity and potential impact of CVE-2017-6077, organizations must ensure that they have appropriate measures in place to detect and remediate this vulnerability as part of their security posture.
Vulnerability Details
The NETGEAR DGN2200 devices are affected by this vulnerability due to improper handling of the ping_IPAddr parameter in the ping.cgi script. This flaw is classified under CWE-78: OS Command Injection, which presents a critical risk for the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The vulnerability was published on February 22, 2017, and has been analyzed thoroughly.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2017-6077 is identified as insufficient input validation in the ping.cgi script. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP POST requests that contain shell metacharacters in the ping_IPAddr field. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity, and no privileges or user interaction required.
The potential impacts include complete control over the affected devices, which can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and disruption of services. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are rated as high, indicating the severe consequences of a successful exploit.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk posed by this vulnerability is significant, especially for organizations that rely on NETGEAR DGN2200 devices for network management. The potential blast radius includes all devices with the vulnerable firmware, which can lead to widespread compromise if exploited.
Given the critical CVSS score of 9.8 and its inclusion in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, organizations must assess their exposure and prioritize remediation efforts. This is a high urgency situation, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of NETGEAR DGN2200 firmware prior to 10.0.0.51 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they are running the latest firmware to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions to address this vulnerability. In cases where patching is not immediately possible, consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure and monitor for suspicious activity. For additional guidance on secure configuration, organizations may refer to the continuous penetration testing best practices.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual API requests directed at the ping.cgi endpoint. Additionally, watch for any execution of unexpected commands or changes to system configurations.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2017-6077 represents a crucial point in understanding the risks associated with inadequate input validation in networked devices. The ongoing trends in vulnerabilities of this nature emphasize the necessity for robust security testing frameworks. Security teams should consider adopting a comprehensive penetration testing methodology to discover and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively. Furthermore, the lessons learned from this incident can inform future development practices, ensuring vulnerabilities are addressed early in the software development lifecycle.
For organizations utilizing cloud services, understanding the security implications of similar vulnerabilities is vital. Comprehensive assessments, including cloud penetration testing strategies, can help mitigate risks associated with such vulnerabilities.
As organizations enhance their security posture, they should not overlook the importance of continuous monitoring and testing to keep up with evolving threats. Engaging in vulnerability management programs can ensure that organizations remain vigilant against emerging threats, reinforcing their ability to respond effectively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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