CVE-2021-45493
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to obtain administrative credentials on affected NETGEAR routers. It affects RAX35, RAX38, and RAX40 routers running firmware versions before 1.0.4.102. Successful exploitation could lead to complete router compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR RAX35
- NETGEAR RAX38
- NETGEAR RAX40
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full router takeover allowing traffic interception, network pivoting, DNS hijacking, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to router administration panel leading to configuration changes, network disruption, and credential theft.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if strong network segmentation and monitoring are in place, though router compromise remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Credential disclosure vulnerabilities are typically easy to exploit once discovered. No authentication required.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.0.4.102 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000064453/Security-Advisory-for-Admin-Credential-Disclosure-on-Some-Routers-PSV-2019-0293
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router admin panel. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates and install version 1.0.4.102 or later. 4. Reboot router after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Management
allPrevents external access to router admin interface
Change Admin Credentials
allChange default/admin passwords to strong, unique credentials
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected routers with patched models or different vendors
- Implement network segmentation to isolate router management traffic
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version via admin panel: Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version is 1.0.4.102 or higher in router admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual admin login attempts
- Configuration changes from unknown IPs
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected traffic to router admin port (typically 80/443)
- Traffic patterns suggesting credential harvesting
SIEM Query:
source_ip=router_ip AND (event_type="authentication" OR event_type="configuration_change")