CVE-2021-41449 in RAX35
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2021
A path traversal attack in web interfaces of Netgear RAX35, RAX38, and RAX40 routers before v1.0.4.102, allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to gain access to sensitive restricted information, such as forbidden files of the web application, via sending a specially crafted HTTP packet.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2021-41449 represents a critical path traversal flaw affecting Netgear RAX35, RAX38, and RAX40 router models prior to firmware version 1.0.4.102. This weakness resides within the web interface components of these networking devices, creating an avenue for remote exploitation without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied paths, allowing attackers to manipulate file access requests through crafted HTTP packets. Such path traversal vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in network infrastructure devices as they can provide unauthorized access to sensitive system information and configuration files that should remain protected from external exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting HTTP requests that contain directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ in their URI parameters or file path references. When the web application processes these requests without proper validation, it allows access to files outside the intended web root directory. In the context of these Netgear routers, this could potentially expose system configuration files, authentication credentials, network settings, or other sensitive data that should be restricted to authorized administrators only. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it an ideal target for automated scanning and exploitation by threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system components that could facilitate further attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could obtain sensitive information that might reveal network topology, device configurations, or even embedded system credentials that could be used for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers could use the discovered information to craft more sophisticated attacks against the network infrastructure. The exposure of configuration files might also reveal default passwords, network segmentation details, or other sensitive operational data that could be leveraged for advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-41449 primarily focus on firmware updates from Netgear, which would implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal attempts. Network administrators should immediately update affected devices to firmware version 1.0.4.102 or later, as this release includes patches that address the path traversal vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by restricting direct internet access to network infrastructure devices. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences, and network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems to block malicious traffic patterns associated with path traversal attacks. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in network device firmware development, as proper implementation of these security controls could prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.