CVE-2021-45499
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authentication on affected NETGEAR routers, potentially gaining unauthorized access to administrative interfaces. It affects specific NETGEAR router models running outdated firmware versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR R6900P
- NETGEAR R7000P
- NETGEAR R7900P
- NETGEAR R7960P
- NETGEAR R8000P
- NETGEAR RAX75
- NETGEAR RAX80
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain full administrative control of the router, allowing them to intercept traffic, modify DNS settings, install malware, or disable security features.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to router configuration, enabling network reconnaissance, credential theft, or man-in-the-middle attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if router is behind firewall, uses strong passwords, and has restricted administrative access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Authentication bypass vulnerabilities typically have low exploitation complexity once the method is known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: R6900P/R7000P: 1.3.3.140+, R7900P/R7960P/R8000P: 1.4.2.84+, RAX75/RAX80: 1.0.3.106+
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000064445/Security-Advisory-for-Authentication-Bypass-on-Some-Routers-PSV-2019-0027
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router admin interface. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates. 4. Download and install latest firmware. 5. Reboot router after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Administration
allPrevent external access to router administrative interface
Restrict Administrative Access
allLimit administrative interface access to specific IP addresses if supported
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected router with updated model
- Place router behind firewall with strict access controls
🔍 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-specific tools to identify firmware versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful access
- Administrative access from unexpected IP addresses
- Configuration changes without authorized user activity
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns from router administrative interface
- DNS configuration changes
- Unexpected outbound connections from router
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (event_type="admin_login" AND result="success" AND user="unknown" OR event_type="config_change" AND user="unknown")