CVE-2021-20175 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-20175, a cybersecurity vulnerability impacting Netgear Nighthawk R6700 version 1.0.4.120, exposing potentially sensitive data due to insecure communication methods.

Understanding CVE-2021-20175

CVE-2021-20175 highlights an issue in Netgear Nighthawk R6700 version 1.0.4.120, where insecure communication through HTTP in the SOAP interface can lead to the exposure of confidential information.

What is CVE-2021-20175?

Netgear Nighthawk R6700 version 1.0.4.120 lacks secure communication methods in the SOAP interface, potentially exposing usernames and passwords transmitted in clear text through HTTP.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20175

The vulnerability allows unauthorized parties to intercept sensitive data, posing risks to user privacy and security. Attackers can exploit this weakness to obtain credentials and other confidential information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20175

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from the absence of secure communication protocols in the SOAP interface of Netgear Nighthawk R6700 version 1.0.4.120, leading to plaintext transmission of data like usernames and passwords.

Affected Systems and Versions

Netgear Nighthawk R6700 devices running version 1.0.4.120 are susceptible to this security issue due to the lack of encryption in communications over the SOAP Interface.

Exploitation Mechanism

Threat actors can exploit this vulnerability by intercepting unencrypted data transmitted over port 5000, putting users at risk of information exposure and unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-20175 to enhance the security of your Netgear Nighthawk R6700 device.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should avoid sending sensitive information over unencrypted connections and consider disabling the SOAP interface if not required to minimize exposure to potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing network encryption, maintaining strong passwords, and regularly updating firmware are crucial for improving overall security posture and protecting against future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Netgear may release patches or updates to address CVE-2021-20175. Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply relevant patches to secure your device.