CVE-2021-45640 in D3600
Summary
by MITRE • 12/26/2021
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by incorrect configuration of security settings. This affects D3600 before 1.0.0.72, D6000 before 1.0.0.72, D6200 before 1.1.00.34, D6220 before 1.0.0.52, D6400 before 1.0.0.86, D7000 before 1.0.1.74, D7000v2 before 1.0.0.53, D7800 before 1.0.1.56, D8500 before 1.0.3.44, DC112A before 1.0.0.42, DGN2200v4 before 1.0.0.110, DGND2200Bv4 before 1.0.0.109, DM200 before 1.0.0.61, EX3700 before 1.0.0.76, EX3800 before 1.0.0.76, EX6120 before 1.0.0.46, EX6130 before 1.0.0.28, EX7000 before 1.0.1.78, PR2000 before 1.0.0.28, R6220 before 1.1.0.100, R6230 before 1.1.0.100, R6250 before 1.0.4.34, R6300v2 before 1.0.4.34, R6400 before 1.0.1.46, R6400v2 before 1.0.2.66, R6700 before 1.0.2.6, R6700v3 before 1.0.2.66, R6900 before 1.0.2.6, R7000 before 1.0.9.34, R7100LG before 1.0.0.50, R7500v2 before 1.0.3.40, R7900P before 1.4.1.50, R8000P before 1.4.1.50, R8900 before 1.0.4.12, R9000 before 1.0.4.12, RBK20 before 2.3.0.28, RBK40 before 2.3.0.28, RBK50 before 2.3.0.32, RBR20 before 2.3.0.28, RBR40 before 2.3.0.28, RBR50 before 2.3.0.32, RBS20 before 2.3.0.28, RBS40 before 2.3.0.28, RBS50 before 2.3.0.32, WN3000RPv2 before 1.0.0.78, WNDR3400v3 before 1.0.1.24, WNR2000v5 before 1.0.0.70, WNR2020 before 1.1.0.62, WNR3500Lv2 before 1.2.0.62, XR450 before 2.3.2.56, and XR500 before 2.3.2.56.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-45640 represents a critical configuration flaw in numerous NETGEAR networking devices that compromises the security posture of affected systems. This issue stems from improper security settings that leave devices exposed to potential exploitation by malicious actors. The vulnerability affects a broad spectrum of NETGEAR routers and networking equipment including various models from the D-series, R-series, EX-series, and other product lines, with specific firmware versions prior to the listed patches being vulnerable. The scope of impact spans across multiple device categories including home routers, business-grade networking equipment, and wireless access points, indicating a systemic issue in the security configuration implementation across NETGEAR's product portfolio.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of misconfigured security settings, which can be classified as CWE-16 Configuration. This misconfiguration allows attackers to potentially bypass security controls that should normally protect the device from unauthorized access or manipulation. The flaw manifests in how the devices handle their security parameters, potentially leaving default credentials unchanged, disabling security features, or implementing weak cryptographic controls. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates an attack surface that could enable remote code execution, unauthorized administrative access, or data exfiltration depending on how the misconfigurations are exploited. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures where these devices serve as gateways or access points.
Security implications of CVE-2021-45640 align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under Initial Access and Persistence phases, where adversaries can leverage misconfigured devices to establish footholds within networks. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to perform reconnaissance, gain unauthorized access to network resources, and potentially move laterally throughout the network infrastructure. Devices affected by this vulnerability may be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where they could serve as entry points for more sophisticated attacks. The widespread nature of affected models suggests that organizations with multiple NETGEAR devices across their network infrastructure may be simultaneously exposed to this risk, amplifying the potential impact of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR to address the configuration flaws. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected devices to the latest available firmware versions that contain patches for this vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual network traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting comprehensive network assessments to identify any devices that may have been compromised. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting these specific misconfigurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and continuous monitoring of network device security settings to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.