CVE-2021-32468
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in MediaTek Wi-Fi chips allows attackers to perform out-of-bounds reads via the WPS protocol, potentially leading to information disclosure or system crashes. It affects NETGEAR devices and other products using specified MediaTek chipsets with firmware version 7.4.0.0. The vulnerability requires proximity to the wireless network but doesn't require authentication.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR devices with MediaTek chipsets
- Other devices using affected MediaTek chipsets
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, network infiltration, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of sensitive memory contents, denial of service through device crashes, and potential privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and WPS disabled, potentially only causing temporary service disruption.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires proximity to wireless network and WPS protocol knowledge. No public exploit code has been released.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor-specific firmware updates
Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/January-2022
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check NETGEAR security advisory for affected models. 2. Download latest firmware from vendor website. 3. Apply firmware update through device administration interface. 4. Reboot device after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WPS
allTurn off Wi-Fi Protected Setup feature on affected devices
Network Segmentation
allIsolate affected devices on separate VLANs
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable WPS functionality immediately
- Implement strict network access controls and monitor for suspicious WPS traffic
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version and chipset model. If using MediaTek chipsets listed with firmware 7.4.0.0 and WPS enabled, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check device web interface or use vendor-specific CLI commands (varies by device)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated beyond 7.4.0.0 and confirm WPS is disabled or patched.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual WPS protocol activity
- Device crash/reboot logs
- Memory access violation errors
Network Indicators:
- Abnormal WPS traffic patterns
- Multiple WPS connection attempts from single source
SIEM Query:
source="wireless-controller" AND (event="WPS" OR protocol="WPS") AND (count > threshold)🔗 References
- https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/January-2022
- https://kb.netgear.com/000064368/Security-Advisory-for-WiFi-WPS-and-IEEE-1905-Vulnerabilities-on-Multiple-Products-PSV-2021-0298-PSV-2021-0300
- https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/January-2022
- https://kb.netgear.com/000064368/Security-Advisory-for-WiFi-WPS-and-IEEE-1905-Vulnerabilities-on-Multiple-Products-PSV-2021-0298-PSV-2021-0300
