CVE-2017-18764
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected NETGEAR routers, gateways, and extenders. Attackers can exploit this flaw without any credentials, potentially taking full control of the device. The vulnerability affects numerous NETGEAR models with firmware versions below specified thresholds.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR D6100
- D7000
- D7800
- JNR1010v2
- JR6150
- JWNR2010v5
- PR2000
- R6050
- R6100
- R6120
- R6220
- R6700v2
- R6800
- R6900v2
- R7500
- R7500v2
- R7800
- R9000
- WN3000RPv3
- WNDR3700v4
- WNDR3700v5
- WNDR4300v1
- WNDR4300v2
- WNDR4500v3
- WNR1000v4
- WNR2000v5
- WNR2020
- WNR2050
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attacker to install persistent malware, intercept all network traffic, pivot to internal networks, or brick the device.
Likely Case
Router takeover leading to DNS hijacking, credential theft from network traffic, or use as botnet node for DDoS attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if device is behind firewall with restricted WAN access and proper network segmentation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires sending specially crafted HTTP requests to vulnerable endpoints. Multiple public exploits exist.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: See vendor advisory for specific version per model (e.g., D6100 1.0.0.55+, D7000 1.0.1.50+)
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000051481/Security-Advisory-for-Pre-Authentication-Command-Injection-on-Some-Routers-Gateways-and-Extenders-PSV-2017-2210
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Identify your NETGEAR model and current firmware version. 2. Visit NETGEAR support site. 3. Download latest firmware for your model. 4. Log into router admin interface. 5. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 6. Upload and install the firmware file. 7. Wait for router to reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Management
allPrevent external access to router admin interface
Network Segmentation
allPlace router in DMZ or behind firewall with restricted WAN access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace vulnerable device with supported model
- Implement strict firewall rules blocking all WAN access to router management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version via admin interface (Advanced > Administration > Router Status) and compare with patched versions in vendor advisory.Check Version:
curl -s http://routerlogin.net/ | grep -i firmware (or check via admin web interface)Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds patched version listed in NETGEAR advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual HTTP POST requests to router endpoints
- Command execution patterns in system logs
- Unexpected firmware modification attempts
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with command injection payloads to router IP
- Unusual outbound connections from router
SIEM Query:
source="router.log" AND (http_method="POST" AND (uri="*setup.cgi*" OR uri="*apply.cgi*") AND (content="*`*" OR content="*$(*" OR content="*|*"))