CVE-2021-20168 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been identified in the Netgear RAX43 router, specifically in version 1.0.3.96. This vulnerability allows a malicious actor with physical access to the device to connect to the UART port using default credentials and execute commands as the root user.

Understanding CVE-2021-20168

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2021-20168 vulnerability in the Netgear RAX43 router.

What is CVE-2021-20168?

CVE-2021-20168 is a security flaw found in Netgear RAX43 version 1.0.3.96, where inadequate protections are present in the UART interface. An attacker with physical access can use default credentials to access the UART port and perform unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20168

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows an attacker to gain root access to the affected device, potentially leading to further exploitation and compromise of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20168

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-20168 to understand the vulnerability better.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Netgear RAX43 version 1.0.3.96 arises from the lack of adequate protections in the UART interface, enabling unauthorized users to exploit default credentials and execute commands as the root user.

Affected Systems and Versions

The specific version affected by CVE-2021-20168 is version 1.0.3.96 of the Netgear RAX43 router.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with physical access to the device can establish a connection to the UART port using default credentials (admin:admin) and subsequently execute commands with root privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-20168 in Netgear RAX43 routers.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to restrict physical access to the device, change default credentials, and apply security best practices to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong password policies, restricting physical access, and monitoring UART connections are recommended security practices for long-term protection.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply security patches released by Netgear to address the vulnerability and enhance the security posture of the affected devices.