CVE-2021-45650
📋 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 Users with specific NETGEAR router models running outdated firmware are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR R7000
- NETGEAR R7900
- NETGEAR R8000
- NETGEAR RS400
- NETGEAR R6400v2
- NETGEAR R7000P
- NETGEAR R6700v3
- NETGEAR R6900P
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of router credentials, network configuration, and potentially connected device information leading to full network takeover.
Likely Case
Exposure of router admin credentials, Wi-Fi passwords, and network configuration details enabling unauthorized network access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and external firewall protection, though sensitive router data remains exposed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Information disclosure vulnerabilities typically require minimal technical skill to exploit once the method is known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: R7000: 1.0.11.110+, R7900: 1.0.4.30+, R8000: 1.0.4.62+, RS400: 1.5.1.80+, R6400v2: 1.0.4.102+, R7000P: 1.3.2.126+, R6700v3: 1.0.4.102+, R6900P: 1.3.2.126+
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000064459/Security-Advisory-for-Sensitive-Information-Disclosure-on-Some-Routers-PSV-2020-0117
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 management
allPrevents external exploitation by disabling remote administration features
Change default credentials
allMitigates impact if credentials are exposed
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected router with updated model
- Implement network segmentation to isolate router from critical systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
Router-specific: Check via web interface at 192.168.1.1 or routerlogin.netVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in vendor advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual access to router admin pages
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful access
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected external connections to router management interface
- Traffic patterns indicating data exfiltration
SIEM Query:
source="router.log" AND (event="admin_access" OR event="configuration_change") AND user!="authorized_user"