CVE-2021-45654
📋 TL;DR
NETGEAR XR1000 routers running firmware versions before 1.0.0.58 contain a vulnerability that allows unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. This affects all users of these devices who haven't updated to the patched firmware. The vulnerability could expose configuration details, credentials, or other sensitive router data.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR XR1000
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain full access to router configuration including admin credentials, network topology, and connected devices, potentially leading to complete network compromise.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users access sensitive router information such as configuration files, potentially exposing network settings and credentials.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to the router itself rather than the entire network.
🎯 Exploit Status
Based on CVSS score and CWE-200 classification, exploitation appears straightforward but no public exploit code has been identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.0.0.58 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000064153/Security-Advisory-for-Sensitive-Information-Disclosure-on-XR1000-PSV-2021-0015
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router admin interface. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates and install version 1.0.0.58 or later. 4. Reboot router after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote management
allPrevents external access to router management interface
Network segmentation
allIsolate router management interface from general network traffic
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected device with updated model
- Implement strict firewall rules to limit access to router management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
No CLI command available - must use web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version is 1.0.0.58 or higher in router admin interface📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to router management interface
- Unusual file access patterns
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected traffic to router management ports
- External IP addresses accessing router admin interface
SIEM Query:
source_ip=external AND dest_port=80,443,8080 AND dest_ip=router_management_ip