CVE-2021-45613
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-45613 is a critical command injection vulnerability affecting multiple NETGEAR routers and WiFi systems. Unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary commands on affected devices, potentially gaining full control. This impacts numerous NETGEAR models running vulnerable firmware versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR CBR40
- CBR750
- D7000v2
- LAX20
- MK62
- MR60
- MS60
- MR80
- MS80
- RAX15
- RAX20
- RAX200
- RAX45
- RAX50
- RAX43
- RAX40v2
- RAX35v2
- RAX75
- RAX80
- RBK752
- RBR750
- RBS750
- RBK852
- RBR850
- RBS850
- XR1000
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attacker to install persistent malware, intercept all network traffic, pivot to internal networks, and use device as botnet node.
Likely Case
Attacker gains administrative access to router, changes DNS settings to redirect traffic, steals credentials, or installs cryptocurrency miners.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and firewall rules, impact limited to isolated network segment containing vulnerable device.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires no authentication and minimal technical skill. Public exploit code exists, making this easily weaponizable.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: See affected_systems.versions for specific fixed versions per model
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000064138/Security-Advisory-for-Pre-Authentication-Command-Injection-on-Some-Routers-and-WiFi-Systems-PSV-2020-0508
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into NETGEAR router admin interface. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates and install latest firmware. 4. Reboot router after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote management
allPrevents external attackers from accessing vulnerable interface
Network segmentation
allPlace router in isolated network segment to limit lateral movement
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace vulnerable device with patched model or different vendor
- Implement strict firewall rules to block all inbound traffic to router management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version via admin interface and compare with patched versions listed in advisoryCheck Version:
Log into router admin interface and navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update to view current versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds patched version for your specific model📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in router logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful access
- Unexpected firmware or configuration changes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- DNS queries to suspicious domains
- Traffic redirection patterns
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (command="*;*" OR command="*|*" OR command="*`*" OR command="*$(*)")