CVE-2021-45595
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands on affected NETGEAR WiFi systems through command injection. It affects multiple NETGEAR Orbi and Nighthawk mesh WiFi systems running outdated firmware versions. Attackers with valid credentials can potentially gain full control of the device.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR LBR20
- RBS50Y
- RBR10
- RBR20
- RBR40
- RBR50
- RBS10
- RBS20
- RBS40
- RBS50
- RBK12
- RBK20
- RBK40
- RBK50
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker gains full root access to the device, enabling them to install persistent malware, pivot to internal networks, intercept all network traffic, or use the device as part of a botnet.
Likely Case
An attacker with stolen or default credentials executes commands to modify device settings, create backdoors, or use the device for lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
With strong authentication and network segmentation, impact is limited to the compromised device only, preventing lateral movement to other systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires valid credentials but is straightforward once authenticated. Public exploit code exists for similar NETGEAR vulnerabilities.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: LBR20: 2.6.3.50 or later; All other models: 2.7.3.22 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000064495/Security-Advisory-for-Post-Authentication-Command-Injection-on-Some-WiFi-Systems-PSV-2020-0462
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into NETGEAR router web interface. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates and install latest firmware. 4. Reboot device after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Change Default Credentials
allChange all default admin passwords to strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized authentication.
Disable Remote Management
allDisable remote administration features to prevent external access to the web interface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment affected devices on isolated VLANs to limit lateral movement
- Implement strict network access controls and monitor for suspicious authentication attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in router web interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
curl -s http://routerlogin.com/currentsetting.htm | grep firmwareVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is LBR20: 2.6.3.50+ or other models: 2.7.3.22+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful login
- Unusual command execution in system logs
- Configuration changes from unexpected sources
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- Traffic to known malicious IPs from router
- DNS queries to suspicious domains
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" (event="authentication_success" AND user!="admin") OR (event="command_execution" AND process!="expected_process")