CVE-2021-34980 : What You Need to Know
Discover the critical CVE-2021-34980 impacting NETGEAR R6260 1.1.0.78_1.0.1 routers, allowing network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
This CVE-2021-34980 article provides insights into a critical vulnerability impacting NETGEAR R6260 1.1.0.78_1.0.1 routers, allowing network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication.
Understanding CVE-2021-34980
This section delves into the vulnerability's nature and its potential impacts.
What is CVE-2021-34980?
CVE-2021-34980 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability present in NETGEAR R6260 routers. Attackers in proximity can exploit this flaw to run arbitrary code without authentication through the setupwizard.cgi page.
The Impact of CVE-2021-34980
The vulnerability's impact is severe, with a CVSS base score of 8.8 (High severity). It allows attackers to execute code within the root context, leading to confidentiality, integrity, and availability breaches.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-34980
This section explores specific technical details of the CVE, including affected systems, the exploitation mechanism, and more.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises from inadequate validation of user-supplied data length before copying it into a fixed-length buffer, enabling attackers to achieve code execution as root users.
Affected Systems and Versions
NETGEAR R6260 version 1.1.0.78_1.0.1 is affected by this vulnerability, putting all installations of this specific version at risk.
Exploitation Mechanism
By manipulating the SOAP_LOGIN_TOKEN environment variable, attackers can bypass authentication and inject malicious code into the vulnerable system to gain full control.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines steps to mitigate the risk and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-34980.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should immediately apply security patches provided by NETGEAR to address this vulnerability. Additionally, restricting network access and monitoring for suspicious activities are recommended.
Long-Term Security Practices
Developing a robust patch management process, conducting regular security assessments, and educating users on secure practices are essential for long-term security.
Patching and Updates
Regularly updating firmware and software, staying informed about security advisories, and implementing network segmentation can help prevent such vulnerabilities in the future.