CVE-2023-41183 in Orbi 760
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
NETGEAR Orbi 760 SOAP API Authentication Bypass Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to bypass authentication on affected installations of NETGEAR Orbi 760 routers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the implementation of the SOAP API. The issue results from the lack of authentication prior to allowing access to functionality. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication on the system. Was ZDI-CAN-20524.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2025
The CVE-2023-41183 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in NETGEAR Orbi 760 routers that exposes devices to unauthorized network access. This vulnerability specifically affects the SOAP API implementation within the router firmware, creating a pathway for attackers to gain administrative privileges without requiring valid credentials. The flaw exists in the router's web interface design where the SOAP API endpoints lack proper authentication checks, allowing any network-adjacent attacker to exploit the system directly. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it eliminates the need for authentication entirely, making exploitation straightforward and accessible to attackers who can reach the device on the local network. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1190 for exploitation of remote services. The affected NETGEAR Orbi 760 models represent a significant security risk for residential and small office networks where physical or network proximity can enable attackers to compromise router configurations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the SOAP API service within the router's web server component where authentication checks are either missing or improperly enforced. When the SOAP API receives requests, it fails to validate user credentials or session tokens before executing privileged operations. This design flaw allows attackers to submit SOAP requests directly to the API endpoints without authentication, effectively bypassing the router's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as a network-adjacent attack vector, meaning that an attacker must be on the same network segment as the target device to exploit it, but this limitation does not diminish its severity. The SOAP API endpoints are designed to provide remote management capabilities but lack proper access controls that would normally validate requests against authenticated users. This creates a scenario where an attacker can perform administrative functions such as changing network settings, modifying firewall rules, accessing device logs, or even disabling security features entirely. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it provides attackers with complete control over the router's configuration and network management functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-41183 is substantial and multifaceted, affecting both network security and device integrity within affected environments. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate the router's configuration to redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or disable security features, potentially compromising the entire local network. The vulnerability allows for persistent access to the network infrastructure, enabling attackers to maintain control over the device and use it as a launching point for further attacks against connected systems. Network traffic can be intercepted or redirected, and the router's DNS settings can be modified to redirect users to malicious sites. Additionally, attackers can disable security features such as firewall rules, encryption settings, or intrusion detection mechanisms, leaving the network exposed to various threats. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly dangerous as it can remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to establish long-term access to the network infrastructure. The impact on network availability and integrity is severe, as attackers can cause denial of service conditions or manipulate network traffic to their advantage, potentially leading to data breaches or network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-41183 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to protect affected NETGEAR Orbi 760 installations. The primary recommendation is to apply the vendor-provided firmware updates that address the authentication bypass vulnerability in the SOAP API implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to critical devices and ensure that only authorized users can reach the router's management interfaces. Network administrators should disable unnecessary services such as the SOAP API if they are not required for operations, as this reduces the attack surface available to potential attackers. Additional security measures include implementing network access controls, monitoring for unusual API access patterns, and ensuring that default credentials are changed and not left in use. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication implementation and access control design in network devices, aligning with security best practices outlined in frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar authentication bypass issues in other network components. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts or unusual administrative activities on network devices to provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.