CVE-2021-38532 in WAC104
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2021
NETGEAR WAC104 devices before 1.0.4.15 are affected by incorrect configuration of security settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38532 affects NETGEAR WAC104 wireless access point devices running firmware versions prior to 1.0.4.15. This issue stems from improper security configuration within the device's firmware implementation, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise network integrity and user privacy. The affected devices operate within enterprise and small business environments where wireless network access points serve as critical infrastructure components for connecting various endpoints to corporate networks.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate security parameter configuration within the device's management interface and network protocols. Specifically, the vulnerability involves improper handling of authentication mechanisms, weak cryptographic implementations, or misconfigured access controls that allow unauthorized users to gain administrative privileges or access sensitive network information. This misconfiguration typically occurs during the device provisioning process or through default settings that fail to enforce proper security policies. The vulnerability falls under the category of misconfigured security settings as classified by CWE-16, which addresses issues related to improper configuration of security features within software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent network footholds, conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, or escalate privileges to gain full administrative control over the affected access points. Network administrators may find that their wireless infrastructure becomes compromised without detection, as the misconfigured security settings often operate silently in the background. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on NETGEAR WAC104 devices for wireless connectivity, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data, disrupting network operations, and creating opportunities for lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-38532 primarily focus on firmware updates to version 1.0.4.15 or later, which address the specific security configuration issues identified in the vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive network inventory management to identify all affected devices and prioritize remediation efforts based on network criticality and risk assessment. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to isolate wireless access points from critical systems, enforcing strict access controls for device management interfaces, and monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network access control policies and regular vulnerability scanning procedures to detect similar misconfigurations across their entire network infrastructure. The remediation process aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses legitimate credentials and valid accounts as a means of persistence, since improper security configurations can create opportunities for attackers to establish unauthorized persistent access to network resources.