Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2018-21133 is a high-severity flaw in certain NETGEAR wireless access points. An unauthenticated attacker on the adjacent network could trigger a stack-based buffer overflow, risking device compromise or outage. The affected models named in the sources are WAC505 and WAC510 before firmware 5.0.0.17.
Executive priority
Treat this as a prompt network infrastructure remediation item. The affected devices are wireless access points, the attack requires no login, and successful exploitation could affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Prioritize internet-adjacent or sensitive network locations first, while confirming exact model and firmware exposure.
Technical view
The CVSS 3.0 vector is 8.8 high: AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The issue is a pre-authentication stack-based buffer overflow affecting NETGEAR WAC505 and WAC510 firmware versions before 5.0.0.17. The provided data does not name a CWE or vulnerable component.
Likely exposure
Exposure is likely limited to organizations running NETGEAR WAC505 or WAC510 wireless access points below firmware 5.0.0.17, especially where attackers can reach the access point from the adjacent network.
Exploitation context
The source bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or cite active exploitation. The CVSS vector indicates unauthenticated, low-complexity exploitation from an adjacent network with no user interaction, but no public exploit status is provided.
Researcher notes
The provided record is narrow: affected models and fixed-version threshold are clear, but vulnerable endpoint details, CWE mapping, and exploit availability are not included. Validation should focus on asset identification and firmware verification, not speculative exploit testing.
Mitigation direction
- Upgrade WAC505 and WAC510 devices to firmware 5.0.0.17 or later.
- Review NETGEAR’s advisory for model-specific update guidance.
- Remove affected access points from untrusted adjacent network reach where feasible.
- Prioritize remediation for access points supporting sensitive or high-availability networks.
Validation and detection
- Inventory NETGEAR WAC505 and WAC510 devices in production and lab networks.
- Confirm each device firmware version is 5.0.0.17 or later.
- Check wireless controller or asset records for unmanaged access points.
- Document any affected device that cannot be updated and apply compensating controls.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CVE-2018-21133 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- High
- CVSS
- 8.8 (3.0)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.0/AC:L/AV:A/A:H/C:H/I:H/PR:N/S:U/UI:N
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.0/AC:L/AV:A/A:H/C:H/I:H/PR:N/S:U/UI:N2.85.9Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.0 score
8.8HighVector: CVSS:3.0/AC:L/AV:A/A:H/C:H/I:H/PR:N/S:U/UI:N
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://kb.netgear.com/000060227/Security-Advisory-for-Pre-Authentication-Stack-Overflow-on-Some-Wireless-Access-Points-PSV-2018-0326CVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.