CVE-2021-45593
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands on affected NETGEAR WiFi systems through command injection. It affects multiple NETGEAR Orbi router and satellite models running vulnerable firmware versions. Attackers with valid credentials can potentially gain full control of the device.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR RBR20
- NETGEAR RBR40
- NETGEAR RBR50
- NETGEAR RBS20
- NETGEAR RBS40
- NETGEAR RBK20
- NETGEAR RBK40
- NETGEAR RBK50
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full device compromise leading to network pivoting, data interception, malware deployment, and persistent backdoor installation across the entire mesh network.
Likely Case
Local network compromise allowing attackers to intercept traffic, modify network settings, and potentially access connected devices.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if strong authentication controls and network segmentation are in place, restricting attacker movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authentication but is straightforward once credentials are obtained. Public exploit code exists.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: RBR20/RBR40/RBS20/RBS40/RBK20/RBK40: 2.7.3.22 or later; RBR50/RBK50: 2.7.2.102 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000064474/Security-Advisory-for-Post-Authentication-Command-Injection-on-Some-WiFi-Systems-PSV-2020-0175
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router admin interface. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates and apply if available. 4. Alternatively, download firmware from NETGEAR support site and manually upload. 5. Reboot device after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote management
allPrevents external access to admin interface
Change default credentials
allUse strong, unique passwords for admin accounts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate affected devices
- Enable logging and monitor for suspicious command execution attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in router admin interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
No CLI command; check via web interface or mobile appVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version is at or above patched versions: 2.7.3.22 for most models, 2.7.2.102 for RBR50/RBK50📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in system logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from router
- Unusual traffic patterns from router management interface
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (command="*;*" OR command="*|*" OR command="*`*" OR command="*$(*")