CVE-2026-11738 in R7000
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
Insufficient input validation vulnerability in the listed NETGEAR models allows authenticated administrators connected to the local network to make unauthorized modification to router software and functionality.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical insufficient input validation flaw that affects multiple NETGEAR router models, creating a pathway for authenticated administrators within the local network to execute unauthorized modifications to router software and functionality. The issue stems from inadequate validation of user inputs during administrative operations, allowing malicious actors with legitimate administrative credentials to manipulate router configurations beyond their intended scope. Such vulnerabilities fall under CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The flaw enables attackers to exploit the trust relationship between legitimate administrators and the device to perform unauthorized modifications that could compromise network security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when administrative users access router management interfaces through local network connections, where input validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize or verify parameters passed during configuration changes. This insufficient validation allows for injection of malformed data or commands that bypass normal access controls and modification restrictions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to alter firmware settings, modify network configurations, disable security features, or potentially install malicious code that persists across reboots. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local network access and authentication credentials, making it accessible to attackers who have already gained administrative privileges within the network perimeter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes to encompass complete network compromise scenarios. An attacker with access to an authenticated administrative session can modify routing tables, disable firewall protections, alter DNS settings, or manipulate Quality of Service configurations that could lead to man-in-the-middle attacks or network disruption. The implications become more severe when considering that many organizations rely on router security as a foundational element of their network defense strategy, making this vulnerability a potential gateway for broader network infiltration. This type of vulnerability can also enable persistent backdoors that remain undetected while providing attackers with continued access to the compromised network infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including regular firmware updates from NETGEAR to address known vulnerabilities, enforcement of strict network segmentation policies to limit local administrative access, and implementation of network monitoring systems that can detect unauthorized configuration changes. Administrative access should be restricted to least privilege principles with multi-factor authentication where possible, and network administrators should conduct regular audits of router configurations to identify any unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation mechanisms within network device firmware development, as highlighted by industry standards such as NIST SP 800-160 which emphasizes secure software development lifecycle practices. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed to monitor router management interfaces for suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.