CVE-2021-45582 in RBK752
Summary
by MITRE • 12/26/2021
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by command injection by an authenticated user. This affects 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-45582 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting multiple NETGEAR router models within the RBK and RBR series. This security weakness allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically impacts firmware versions prior to 3.2.16.6 across several router models including RBK752, RBR750, RBS750, RBK852, RBR850, and RBS850, making it a widespread concern for organizations relying on these networking devices. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the device's web interface, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the web administration interface of affected NETGEAR devices, where authenticated users can manipulate input fields to inject malicious commands that get executed by the underlying operating system. This command injection vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The flaw typically manifests when an attacker submits specially crafted payloads through web forms or API endpoints that handle user input, allowing the system to interpret and execute arbitrary shell commands with the privileges of the web server process. The authenticated nature of this vulnerability means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but once achieved, the impact extends far beyond simple privilege escalation to full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-45582 is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over affected network infrastructure. An attacker with valid credentials could execute commands to modify firewall rules, redirect network traffic, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors within the network. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to network security posture, as compromised routers can serve as pivoting points for lateral movement throughout the network, allowing attackers to access internal systems that would otherwise be isolated from external threats. Additionally, the compromised devices may be used to launch attacks against other systems, creating a potential amplification effect for network-based attacks. Organizations using these affected devices face risks including data exfiltration, network disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the exposure of critical network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-45582 primarily focus on firmware updates provided by NETGEAR, specifically upgrading to firmware versions 3.2.16.6 or later for all affected models. Network administrators should immediately prioritize patching affected devices and verify that all authentication mechanisms remain secure to prevent unauthorized access. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices, monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all network infrastructure. The remediation process should also include reviewing access controls and ensuring that only authorized personnel have administrative privileges on network devices. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous command execution patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing device compromise scenarios. Regular security audits of network infrastructure and maintaining up-to-date vulnerability management processes are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.