CVE-2021-34979 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of NETGEAR R6260 1.1.0.78_1.0.1 routers without requiring authentication. The flaw lies in the handling of SOAP requests, allowing attackers to execute code in the context of the root user. Follow this detailed guide to understand the impact and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-34979

CVE-2021-34979 is a high-severity vulnerability that affects NETGEAR R6260 routers, allowing network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

What is CVE-2021-34979?

The vulnerability in NETGEAR R6260 routers permits attackers to run malicious code without needing authentication, exploiting a flaw in SOAP request handling by copying user-supplied data into a fixed-length buffer.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34979

With a CVSS base score of 8.8, this vulnerability poses a high risk in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, allowing attackers to execute code as the root user.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34979

The technical details of CVE-2021-34979 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to improper validation of user-supplied data in SOAPAction headers, leading to buffer overflow and arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

NETGEAR R6260 version 1.1.0.78_1.0.1 routers are affected by this vulnerability, putting installations at risk of unauthorized code execution.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted SOAP requests to the affected routers, triggering the buffer overflow and gaining root-level access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-34979, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable remote management on the affected routers
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware to the latest version
Monitor and restrict network traffic to prevent unauthorized access

Patching and Updates

NETGEAR has released security advisories with patches to address this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply the latest updates promptly to secure the affected devices.