CVE-2024-5247 is a remote code execution vulnerability affecting NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System version 1.7.0.34 x64. The flaw exists in the UpLoadServlet class, which fails to properly validate user-supplied input during file uploads. This lack of validation allows authenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files, including potentially malicious executable code. Once uploaded, the attacker can execute code with SYSTEM privileges, effectively gaining full control over the affected system. The vulnerability requires authentication but no further user interaction, making it a high-risk issue in environments where administrative credentials may be compromised or weakly protected. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type), indicating a failure to restrict file types or sanitize uploads. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the high CVSS score of 8.8 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) highlights the critical nature of this flaw, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability was assigned and published by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) and remains unpatched at the time of this report, emphasizing the urgency for mitigation.

The impact of CVE-2024-5247 is severe for organizations using the affected NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive network management data, disruption of network operations, and lateral movement within the internal network. Confidentiality is at risk due to potential data theft or exposure, integrity can be compromised by malicious configuration changes or malware installation, and availability may be affected through denial-of-service conditions or destruction of critical files. Given the administrative nature of the affected software, attackers could manipulate network devices or monitoring systems, amplifying the operational impact. Organizations with exposed management interfaces or weak authentication controls are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate widespread impact but does not reduce the urgency for remediation due to the ease of exploitation and high privileges gained.

To mitigate CVE-2024-5247, organizations should: 1) Immediately restrict access to the NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System interface to trusted networks and users only, using network segmentation and firewall rules. 2) Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including complex passwords and multi-factor authentication, to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3) Monitor logs and file upload activities for suspicious or unauthorized uploads, employing intrusion detection systems where possible. 4) Apply vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available to address the vulnerability directly. 5) If patches are not yet available, consider disabling or restricting the UpLoadServlet functionality or the file upload feature temporarily. 6) Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on network management systems to identify and remediate similar issues proactively. 7) Educate administrators about the risks of unrestricted file uploads and the importance of secure credential management. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and interim protective measures until official fixes are released.