CVE-2020-25067
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on NETGEAR R8300 routers by exploiting a command injection flaw. Attackers can gain full control of affected devices without needing valid credentials. Only NETGEAR R8300 router users with outdated firmware are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR R8300
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install persistent malware, pivot to internal networks, intercept all network traffic, or brick the device.
Likely Case
Attackers gain remote shell access to modify router settings, intercept credentials, or use the device as a botnet node.
If Mitigated
If patched, no impact. If isolated from internet, limited to internal network attacks only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit code exists and exploitation requires minimal technical skill due to pre-authentication nature.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.0.2.134 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000062158/Security-Advisory-for-Pre-Authentication-Command-Injection-on-R8300-PSV-2020-0211
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router admin interface. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates and install version 1.0.2.134 or later. 4. Reboot router after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote management
allPrevents internet-based attacks by disabling remote administration
Network segmentation
allIsolate router management interface to separate VLAN
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected router with patched model or different vendor
- Implement strict firewall rules blocking all external access to router management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in router admin interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version is 1.0.2.134 or higher in admin interface📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in system logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful command execution
- Suspicious process creation
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- Traffic to known malicious IPs
- Unexpected SSH/Telnet connections
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (command="*;*" OR command="*|*" OR command="*`*" OR command="*$(*")