CVE-2021-29073
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in certain NETGEAR routers and WiFi systems that allows an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability affects multiple NETGEAR device models running outdated firmware versions. An attacker with valid credentials could potentially take control of affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR R8000P
- NETGEAR MK62
- NETGEAR MR60
- NETGEAR MS60
- NETGEAR R7960P
- NETGEAR R7900P
- NETGEAR RAX15
- NETGEAR RAX20
- NETGEAR RAX45
- NETGEAR RAX50
- NETGEAR RAX75
- NETGEAR RAX80
- NETGEAR RAX200
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attacker to install persistent malware, intercept network traffic, pivot to internal networks, or brick the device.
Likely Case
Attacker gains remote code execution on the router, potentially enabling traffic interception, credential theft, or using the device as a foothold for further attacks.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and network segmentation, impact is limited to the affected device only, preventing lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires valid credentials, making it post-authentication. No public exploit code is known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: R8000P 1.4.1.66, MK62 1.0.6.110, MR60 1.0.6.110, MS60 1.0.6.110, R7960P 1.4.1.66, R7900P 1.4.1.66, RAX15 1.0.2.82, RAX20 1.0.2.82, RAX45 1.0.2.72, RAX50 1.0.2.72, RAX75 1.0.3.106, RAX80 1.0.3.106, RAX200 1.0.3.106
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000063013/Security-Advisory-for-Post-Authentication-Stack-Overflow-on-Some-Routers-and-WiFi-Systems-PSV-2020-0212
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into NETGEAR router admin interface. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates and install latest firmware. 4. Reboot router after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Admin Access
allLimit administrative access to trusted IP addresses only
Strong Authentication
allUse complex, unique passwords for router admin accounts and enable multi-factor authentication if available
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment affected routers from critical internal networks using VLANs or separate physical networks
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual authentication attempts to router admin interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current firmware version in router admin interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
Check via web interface: Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in vendor advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
- Unusual process execution or memory usage patterns on router
- Unexpected firmware modification attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- Traffic redirection or DNS manipulation
- Unexpected administrative access from external IPs
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (event_type="authentication" AND result="success") AND src_ip NOT IN [trusted_admin_ips]