CVE-2021-20167 in RAX43
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2021
Netgear RAX43 version 1.0.3.96 contains a command injection vulnerability. The readycloud cgi application is vulnerable to command injection in the name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-20167 affects Netgear RAX43 routers running firmware version 1.0.3.96 and represents a critical command injection flaw within the readycloud cgi application. This vulnerability resides in the handling of the name parameter, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web application interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the device's command execution flow. The vulnerability impacts the router's web management interface where the readycloud application processes user inputs without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to inject malicious commands that are then executed with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a command injection pattern classified under CWE-77 which specifically addresses situations where commands are injected into executable code without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious payloads in the name parameter of the readycloud cgi application, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the router's underlying operating system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution as it can enable attackers to modify router configurations, access network traffic, or even establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The web application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user inputs creates a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability for network administrators and end users who rely on these devices for network security.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise and home network environments as it allows attackers to compromise the router's core functionality without requiring physical access or advanced exploitation techniques. The affected Netgear RAX43 devices operate as network gateways, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access points within networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these devices from outside the network perimeter, potentially leading to complete network compromise. According to ATT&CK framework techniques, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and script injection and T1021.001 for remote services. The exploitation could enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, establish command and control channels, or use the compromised router as a pivot point for attacking internal network resources, making it a critical concern for cybersecurity teams managing these devices.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to the latest firmware versions provided by Netgear, which typically include input validation patches and sanitization measures. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous command execution patterns or unusual network traffic originating from affected devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user inputs in network infrastructure devices. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify command injection attempts and monitor for suspicious patterns in router management interface traffic. Additionally, regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices should include vulnerability scanning for similar command injection flaws in other firmware components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the need for comprehensive security hardening across all network device interfaces.