CVE-2023-33533 in D6220
Summary
by MITRE • 06/06/2023
Netgear D6220 with Firmware Version 1.0.0.80, D8500 with Firmware Version 1.0.3.60, R6700 with Firmware Version 1.0.2.26, and R6900 with Firmware Version 1.0.2.26 are vulnerable to Command Injection. If an attacker gains web management privileges, they can inject commands into the post request parameters, gaining shell privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-33533 affects several Netgear router models including the D6220, D8500, R6700, and R6900, all running specific firmware versions that contain a critical command injection flaw. This vulnerability resides in the web management interface of these devices, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected systems. The flaw represents a severe security weakness that can be exploited to gain complete control over the affected routers, making it a critical concern for network administrators and cybersecurity professionals. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web application layer of the router firmware, specifically in how the system processes POST request parameters from web management interfaces.
The technical implementation of this command injection vulnerability allows an attacker who has already obtained web management privileges to manipulate request parameters and inject malicious commands that get executed by the underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. The affected systems are particularly vulnerable because they fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before using it in system commands, creating an environment where attackers can chain together commands and potentially escalate their privileges to root or administrative levels. The exploitation process requires the attacker to first gain access to the web management interface, typically through credential guessing or other initial compromise techniques, after which they can manipulate the POST parameters to execute arbitrary shell commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access to router configuration settings. Once an attacker gains shell privileges through command injection, they can perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to modifying network configurations, redirecting traffic, installing malware, creating backdoors, or using the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise environments where these routers may serve as network gateways or provide critical connectivity services. Network segmentation and security monitoring become significantly compromised when such devices are compromised, as attackers can potentially establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to leverage the compromised routers for conducting further attacks such as port scanning, packet sniffing, or even launching distributed denial-of-service attacks against external targets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-33533 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Netgear to address the command injection vulnerability, while also implementing network-level security controls to monitor for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should enforce strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication for router management interfaces, implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential compromises, and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual command execution patterns. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary services and features on affected routers, implementing strict access controls for management interfaces, and conducting regular security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities in network infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and script injection, with potential lateral movement and privilege escalation tactics that can be employed by adversaries once initial access is achieved. Given the severity of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize immediate remediation efforts and maintain continuous monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts against their network infrastructure.