CVE-2025-25246
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected NETGEAR WiFi routers. Attackers can gain full control of the router without needing login credentials. Users of NETGEAR XR1000, XR1000v2, and XR500 routers with outdated firmware are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETGEAR XR1000
- NETGEAR XR1000v2
- NETGEAR XR500
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete router compromise allowing attackers to intercept all network traffic, install persistent malware, pivot to internal devices, and use the router as part of a botnet.
Likely Case
Router takeover leading to DNS hijacking, credential theft from network traffic, and installation of cryptocurrency miners or other malware.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if router is behind firewall with restricted WAN access, though internal attacks remain possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
CWE-94 indicates improper control of generation of code ('Code Injection'), suggesting attackers can inject and execute arbitrary code through crafted requests.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: XR1000: 1.0.0.74+, XR1000v2: 1.1.0.22+, XR500: 2.3.2.134+
Vendor Advisory: https://kb.netgear.com/000066558/Security-Advisory-for-Unauthenticated-RCE-on-Some-WiFi-Routers-PSV-2023-0039
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. Router will reboot automatically.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Management
allPrevents external attackers from accessing router management interface from WAN
Restrict WAN Access
allUse firewall rules to block all incoming traffic to router management ports
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected router with patched model or different vendor
- Place router behind dedicated firewall with strict inbound filtering
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in router admin interface under Advanced > Administration > Firmware UpdateCheck Version:
Check via web interface or SSH if enabled: cat /etc/versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds patched versions: XR1000 >= 1.0.0.74, XR1000v2 >= 1.1.0.22, XR500 >= 2.3.2.134📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to router management interface
- Unexpected process execution in system logs
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful code execution
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- DNS queries to suspicious domains
- Traffic patterns indicating command and control communication
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (http_method="POST" AND uri CONTAINS "/cgi-bin/" AND response_code=200) OR (process_name="sh" OR process_name="bash" AND parent_process="httpd")