CVE-2021-45649
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in certain NETGEAR routers allows unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. Attackers can potentially access confidential data stored on affected devices. Users of specific NETGEAR router models with outdated firmware are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR R6400v2
- NETGEAR R6700v3
- NETGEAR R7000
- NETGEAR R6900P
- NETGEAR R7000P
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain access to router configuration, credentials, or network information, leading to complete network compromise or credential theft.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to router settings or network information that could facilitate further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
CWE-200 indicates information exposure vulnerability, typically requiring network access to the device.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: R6400v2: 1.0.4.84+, R6700v3: 1.0.4.84+, R7000: 1.0.11.126+, R6900P: 1.3.2.126+, R7000P: 1.3.2.126+
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000064073/Security-Advisory-for-Sensitive-Information-Disclosure-on-Some-Routers-PSV-2019-0123
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into 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 access to router management interface
Change default credentials
allUse strong, unique passwords for router admin access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected routers from internet-facing networks
- Implement network segmentation to limit potential data exposure
🔍 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 query versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to router management interface
- Unusual configuration changes
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected traffic to router management ports
- Information disclosure in HTTP responses
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (event="unauthorized_access" OR event="config_change")