CVE-2021-20169 in RAX43
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2021
Netgear RAX43 version 1.0.3.96 does not utilize secure communications to the web interface. By default, all communication to/from the device is sent via HTTP, which causes potentially sensitive information (such as usernames and passwords) to be transmitted in cleartext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-20169 affects Netgear RAX43 routers running firmware version 1.0.3.96 and represents a critical security flaw in network device communication protocols. This issue stems from the device's failure to implement secure communication mechanisms for its web interface, creating a significant attack surface that exposes sensitive authentication credentials and configuration data to potential interception. The root cause lies in the device's default configuration where all communications occur over unencrypted HTTP protocols instead of secure HTTPS implementations, making it susceptible to various man-in-the-middle and eavesdropping attacks.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete absence of transport layer security enforcement within the router's web management interface. When administrators or users access the device's configuration portal, all transmitted data including login credentials, session tokens, and configuration parameters are sent in plaintext format over the network. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper communication channel security. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure communication design principles and violates industry best practices for network device security. Attackers can exploit this weakness by positioning themselves within the network to intercept traffic, potentially capturing administrative credentials that would then grant full access to the router's configuration and network control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected network infrastructure. Once compromised, attackers can modify firewall rules, change network configurations, redirect traffic, and establish persistent backdoors within the network. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and home network environments where the router serves as the primary gateway and security control point. The exposure of cleartext credentials means that even if users employ strong passwords, the lack of encryption protection renders these defenses ineffective against network-based attacks. This issue creates a pathway for lateral movement within networks and can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including DNS tunneling, traffic redirection, and complete network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-20169 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Netgear to address the insecure communication implementation. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect and alert on unusual traffic patterns that might indicate credential interception attempts. Network segmentation and the deployment of additional security controls such as intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts. Administrators should consider implementing network access controls and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the router's management interface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure configuration management practices and the need for organizations to regularly audit their network device security settings. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, and organizations should consider implementing defensive measures aligned with the adversary tactics and techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix to protect against exploitation of such communication security flaws.