CVE-2021-38516 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A lack of access control at the function level affects certain NETGEAR devices, making them vulnerable to exploitation. This CVE impacts various router models before specific firmware versions.

Understanding CVE-2021-38516

This CVE describes a critical vulnerability in NETGEAR devices due to insufficient access controls, leading to potential high-impact security risks.

What is CVE-2021-38516?

CVE-2021-38516 highlights the issue of inadequate access control at the function level in NETGEAR routers, potentially allowing unauthorized users to manipulate settings that can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38516

The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 10 (Critical), indicating the severity of the issue. With a low attack complexity and no user interaction required, the exploit could have a significant impact on affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38516

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The lack of access control at the function level in certain NETGEAR devices exposes them to exploitation, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of critical settings.

Affected Systems and Versions

CVE-2021-38516 impacts a wide range of NETGEAR router models, including D6220, D6400, D7000v2, D7800, and many others, before specific firmware versions as detailed in the CVE description.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely, with an attacker needing network access. This attack has a high availability impact and can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the targeted systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your systems from CVE-2021-38516 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should apply security patches provided by NETGEAR for the affected router models. It is crucial to update to the patched firmware versions to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating router firmware, configuring secure access controls, and monitoring network traffic can help enhance security and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that your NETGEAR devices are running the latest firmware versions available from the manufacturer. Promptly apply any security patches released by NETGEAR to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of your devices.