CVE-2022-27644
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-27644 is a certificate validation vulnerability in NETGEAR R6700v3 routers that allows network-adjacent attackers to intercept HTTPS downloads. This can lead to arbitrary code execution as root when combined with other vulnerabilities. Affected users are those with vulnerable NETGEAR router installations.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR R6700v3
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers on the same network can intercept HTTPS traffic, inject malicious files, and achieve remote code execution with root privileges, potentially taking full control of the router.
Likely Case
Attackers intercepting router update traffic or other HTTPS downloads to deliver malicious payloads, leading to router compromise and network infiltration.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to the router itself rather than the entire network.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires network adjacency and combination with other vulnerabilities for full code execution. ZDI-CAN-15797 reference suggests detailed research exists.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.0.4.122_10.0.92 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000064721/Security-Advisory-for-Multiple-Vulnerabilities-on-Multiple-Products-PSV-2021-0324
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 exploitation attempts by disabling remote administration features
Network segmentation
allIsolate router management interface from general user network
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace router with non-vulnerable model
- Implement strict network access controls to limit who can access router management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in admin interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version is 1.0.4.122_10.0.92 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual HTTPS download failures
- Unexpected firmware update attempts
- Certificate validation errors in router logs
Network Indicators:
- Man-in-the-middle attacks targeting router HTTPS traffic
- Unusual ARP or DNS spoofing activity near router
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for typical home router deployments🔗 References
- https://kb.netgear.com/000064721/Security-Advisory-for-Multiple-Vulnerabilities-on-Multiple-Products-PSV-2021-0324
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-520/
- https://kb.netgear.com/000064721/Security-Advisory-for-Multiple-Vulnerabilities-on-Multiple-Products-PSV-2021-0324
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-520/
