CVE-2024-28340 is an information disclosure vulnerability identified in the currentsetting.htm web component of Netgear CBR40, CBK40, and CBK43 routers running firmware version 2.5.0.28. The vulnerability stems from improper access control, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to retrieve sensitive configuration or operational data without requiring any authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.5, indicating high severity, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and a high impact on confidentiality (C:H) but no impact on integrity or availability (I:N/A:N). This means an attacker can remotely exploit this flaw to gain access to sensitive information such as configuration details, potentially including credentials or network topology, which could be leveraged for further attacks. No patches or exploit code are currently publicly available, and no active exploitation has been reported. However, the ease of exploitation and the sensitive nature of the leaked information make this a critical concern for affected users.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-28340 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information from vulnerable Netgear routers. This can lead to exposure of network configuration details, administrative credentials, or other sensitive data that could facilitate subsequent attacks such as unauthorized access, lateral movement within networks, or targeted attacks against critical infrastructure. Organizations relying on these devices for internet connectivity or as part of their network infrastructure may face increased risk of compromise. The vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability but undermines confidentiality, which is crucial for maintaining secure network operations. The fact that no authentication or user interaction is required significantly broadens the attack surface, allowing remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability with minimal effort. This can be particularly damaging in environments where these routers are deployed in sensitive or high-value contexts, such as enterprise networks, government agencies, or critical infrastructure sectors.

1. Monitor Netgear’s official channels for firmware updates addressing CVE-2024-28340 and apply patches immediately upon release. 2. Until patches are available, restrict access to the affected devices’ management interfaces by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure to trusted networks only. 3. Disable remote management features if not required to reduce the attack surface. 4. Employ network intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor for suspicious access attempts targeting the currentsetting.htm resource. 5. Conduct regular audits of router configurations and logs to detect any unauthorized access or anomalous activity. 6. Consider replacing affected devices with models that have a better security track record if timely patching is not feasible. 7. Educate network administrators about this vulnerability and the importance of securing router management interfaces. 8. Use VPNs or other secure channels for remote management to add an additional layer of authentication and encryption.