CVE-2017-18786
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a command injection vulnerability in multiple NETGEAR router models that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices. The vulnerability affects specific firmware versions of D6200, JNR1010v2, JR6150, JWNR2010v5, PR2000, R6050, WNR1000v4, WNR2020, and WNR2050 routers. Attackers can exploit this to gain unauthorized access and control over the router.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR D6200
- NETGEAR JNR1010v2
- NETGEAR JR6150
- NETGEAR JWNR2010v5
- NETGEAR PR2000
- NETGEAR R6050
- NETGEAR WNR1000v4
- NETGEAR WNR2020
- NETGEAR WNR2050
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of router allowing attacker to intercept all network traffic, install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal network devices, and use router as botnet node.
Likely Case
Router compromise leading to DNS hijacking, credential theft from network traffic, and installation of malware on connected devices.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and monitoring, potentially only affecting router management interface.
🎯 Exploit Status
Command injection vulnerabilities are typically easy to exploit. Public advisories and PoCs exist for similar NETGEAR vulnerabilities.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: D6200: 1.1.00.24+, JNR1010v2: 1.1.0.44+, JR6150: 1.0.1.12+, JWNR2010v5: 1.1.0.44+, PR2000: 1.0.0.20+, R6050: 1.0.1.12+, WNR1000v4: 1.1.0.44+, WNR2020: 1.1.0.44+, WNR2050: 1.1.0.44+
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000049529/Security-Advisory-for-Command-Injection-on-Some-Routers-PSV-2017-2949
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router admin interface. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates. 4. If update available, download and install. 5. Router will reboot automatically.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote management
allPrevent external access to router management interface
Restrict management access
allLimit router management interface access to specific IP addresses
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected routers with supported models
- Implement network segmentation to isolate router from critical systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
Check via router web interface or use nmap/router scanning toolsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in vendor advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in router logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful access
- Unexpected configuration changes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- DNS queries to suspicious domains
- Traffic redirection patterns
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (command="*;*" OR command="*|*" OR command="*`*" OR command="*$(*")