CVE-2021-20172 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides insights into CVE-2021-20172, a local privilege escalation vulnerability found in all versions of the Netgear Genie Installer for macOS.

Understanding CVE-2021-20172

CVE-2021-20172 highlights a critical security issue in Netgear Genie Installer for macOS that could lead to local privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2021-20172?

All versions of the Netgear Genie Installer for macOS are affected by a local privilege escalation vulnerability. The macOS installer of Netgear Genie mishandles certain files, allowing a local attacker to escalate privileges to root level by overwriting specific files.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20172

This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it could allow an attacker with local access to the endpoint to gain escalated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized system control and data compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20172

CVE-2021-20172 affects all known versions of the Netgear Genie Installer for macOS. Here are the specific technical details:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to insecure handling of files by the macOS version of Netgear Genie Installer, enabling a local actor to overwrite files and execute code with elevated privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

All known versions of the Netgear Genie Installer for macOS are impacted by this vulnerability, making them susceptible to local privilege escalation attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker who gains local access to the system can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating certain files during the installation process to escalate their privileges to root.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-20172, users and organizations can take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid installing or using the Netgear Genie Installer for macOS until a patch is available.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict unnecessary access rights.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Netgear for a patch or update that resolves the local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Netgear Genie Installer for macOS.