CVE-2025-12941
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated local WiFi users to cause a denial of service by rebooting NETGEAR C6220 and C6230 cable modem/router devices. The attack requires WiFi network access but no administrative credentials. Only users with WiFi access to these specific NETGEAR devices are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR C6220
- NETGEAR C6230
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious actor with WiFi access repeatedly reboots the device, causing extended internet service disruption for all connected users and potentially corrupting device configuration.
Likely Case
Disgruntled user or prankster causes temporary internet outage by rebooting the router, disrupting connectivity for minutes until device restarts.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and WiFi security, only trusted users have access, limiting impact to occasional accidental or authorized reboots.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires WiFi network authentication but no administrative privileges. The specific method is documented in the NETGEAR advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware version containing December 2025 security updates
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000070416/December-2025-NETGEAR-Security-Advisory
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router admin interface. 2. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update. 3. Check for updates and apply the December 2025 security update. 4. Allow router to reboot automatically.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WiFi Guest Network
allRemove potential attack vector from untrusted guest users
Implement MAC Address Filtering
allRestrict WiFi access to known trusted devices only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict WiFi access controls and monitor for unauthorized devices
- Consider replacing vulnerable devices with updated models if patching is not possible
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in router admin interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via web interface at 192.168.1.1 or routerlogin.netVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds the December 2025 security update version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected router reboots
- Multiple authentication attempts from same WiFi client followed by reboot
Network Indicators:
- Sudden loss of connectivity followed by router reboot sequence
SIEM Query:
source="router.log" AND ("reboot" OR "restart") AND NOT user="admin"