CVE-2021-34978 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2021-34978 impacts NETGEAR R6260 routers, allowing network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication. The vulnerability lies within the setupwizard.cgi page, enabling code execution as root.

Understanding CVE-2021-34978

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-34978 vulnerability and its implications.

What is CVE-2021-34978?

CVE-2021-34978 is a high-severity vulnerability that permits attackers to run malicious code on NETGEAR R6260 routers, exploiting a stack-based buffer overflow flaw without the need for authentication.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34978

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as attackers can execute code on affected routers with elevated privileges, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34978

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-34978 to understand its nature and exploitation methods.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a stack-based buffer overflow triggered by a SOAP request to the setupwizard.cgi page, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code as root.

Affected Systems and Versions

NETGEAR R6260 routers with version 1.1.0.78_1.0.1 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing them to exploitation by threat actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

The flaw allows network-adjacent attackers to craft SOAP requests that overflow a fixed-length buffer, leading to unauthorized code execution without requiring any user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate the CVE-2021-34978 vulnerability and enhance the security of NETGEAR R6260 routers.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches provided by NETGEAR promptly to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust network segmentation, regularly update firmware, and monitor for suspicious activities to fortify the security posture of the network infrastructure.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from NETGEAR and apply patches as soon as they are released to protect against known vulnerabilities.