CVE-2024-5505 is a critical path traversal vulnerability identified in the NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System, specifically affecting version 1.7.0.34 x64. The vulnerability resides in the UpLoadServlet class, which fails to properly validate user-supplied file paths before performing file operations. This improper limitation of pathname (CWE-22) allows an authenticated attacker to craft malicious requests that traverse directories outside the intended restricted directory. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can upload or manipulate files arbitrarily, leading to remote code execution (RCE) in the context of the SYSTEM user on the affected host. The vulnerability requires authentication but no additional user interaction, and the attack vector is network accessible (AV:N). The CVSS v3.0 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and privileges required. This vulnerability was reserved on May 29, 2024, and published on June 6, 2024, with no known exploits in the wild at the time of reporting. The flaw was tracked by the Zero Day Initiative as ZDI-CAN-22724. The lack of proper input sanitization in the servlet's file handling logic is the root cause, enabling directory traversal and subsequent arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability can lead to full system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of network management operations.

The impact of CVE-2024-5505 is severe for organizations deploying the affected NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System. Successful exploitation grants attackers SYSTEM-level remote code execution capabilities, allowing complete control over the affected device. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive network configurations, interception or manipulation of network traffic, and potential lateral movement within the enterprise network. The compromise of network management infrastructure can disrupt monitoring and management capabilities, degrade network availability, and facilitate further attacks on connected systems. Confidentiality breaches may expose sensitive organizational data, while integrity violations can alter critical network settings, causing operational failures. The requirement for authentication limits exploitation to insiders or attackers who have obtained valid credentials, but the low complexity and high privileges gained make this a critical risk. Organizations relying on this system for network management should consider this vulnerability a significant threat to their cybersecurity posture.

To mitigate CVE-2024-5505, organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of the NETGEAR ProSAFE Network Management System once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should restrict access to the management interface to trusted networks and users only, employing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms and monitor for unusual login activity to detect potential credential compromise. Implement strict input validation and sanitization at the application level if custom modifications are possible. Regularly audit and review file system permissions on the management system to prevent unauthorized file modifications. Employ intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to identify and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. Finally, maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring to quickly detect exploitation attempts and respond accordingly.