CVE-2021-20171 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Netgear RAX43 version 1.0.3.96 is affected by a vulnerability where sensitive information is stored in plaintext, including usernames and passwords for the device's services. This poses a significant security risk as all this information is stored in an unencrypted format on the device.

Understanding CVE-2021-20171

This section will cover the key details regarding the plaintext passwords vulnerability in Netgear RAX43 version 1.0.3.96.

What is CVE-2021-20171?

CVE-2021-20171 refers to the vulnerability found in the Netgear RAX43 router where sensitive data such as usernames and passwords are stored in plaintext on the device, making it accessible to potential attackers.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20171

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers with access to the device to easily retrieve sensitive information such as admin passwords stored in plaintext.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20171

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Netgear RAX43 version 1.0.3.96 allows all usernames and passwords to be stored in plaintext, including the admin password in the primary configuration file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Netgear RAX43 routers running version 1.0.3.96 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by gaining access to the device and extracting the plaintext passwords stored within.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2021-20171 vulnerability, certain steps need to be taken for mitigation and prevention.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update to a patched version provided by Netgear that addresses the plaintext password storage issue. Additionally, changing all default passwords to strong, unique ones is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong password policies, enabling multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits can enhance the security posture of the device.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for firmware updates from Netgear and apply them promptly to ensure the latest security patches are in place.