CVE-2021-45537 in RAX200
Summary
by MITRE • 12/26/2021
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by command injection by an authenticated user . This affects RAX200 before 1.0.3.106, RAX75 before 1.0.3.106, RAX80 before 1.0.3.106, RBK752 before 3.2.16.6, RBR750 before 3.2.16.6, RBS750 before 3.2.16.6, RBK852 before 3.2.16.6, RBR850 before 3.2.16.6, and RBS850 before 3.2.16.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in NETGEAR wireless routers and access points that affects multiple device models within specific firmware versions. The issue allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to network resources. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the device's web interface, specifically in the handling of user-supplied parameters that are subsequently passed to system commands without proper filtering or escaping mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the improper handling of user-controllable input fields within the device management interface. When authenticated users submit specially crafted input through web forms or API endpoints, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before incorporating them into system command executions. This creates an environment where maliciously formatted input can be interpreted as shell commands by the underlying operating system, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection issue under CWE-77, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary commands through improper input handling.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to network security as it allows authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected devices. Once exploited, attackers can modify device configurations, redirect traffic, install malware, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures, as these devices often serve as critical network gateways and access points. The vulnerability affects a wide range of NETGEAR devices including various models of routers and access points, with specific firmware versions identified as vulnerable, making the attack surface particularly broad within enterprise and home network environments.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the command and control categories, specifically targeting network infrastructure devices to establish persistent access and expand attack vectors. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such compromises, along with monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate command execution attempts. The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate firmware updates to versions that address the input validation issues, as well as implementing network access controls to limit who can authenticate to these devices. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough network assessments to identify all affected devices and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also reviewing device access controls and authentication mechanisms to minimize the attack surface.