CVE-2021-38536 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by stored XSS vulnerabilities in various models. This can allow attackers to execute malicious scripts on the devices, potentially leading to sensitive information exposure or unauthorized actions.

Understanding CVE-2021-38536

This CVE identifier highlights a security issue in NETGEAR routers and gateways that could be exploited by an attacker to perform stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

What is CVE-2021-38536?

CVE-2021-38536 refers to a stored XSS vulnerability affecting multiple NETGEAR devices when running specific firmware versions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject and execute malicious scripts within the context of a user's session.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38536

The impact of this CVE lies in the potential exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized parties or the manipulation of device behavior through the execution of malicious scripts. This could result in privacy breaches, data theft, or device compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38536

The technical aspects of this vulnerability include the following:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to store malicious scripts in specific sections of affected NETGEAR devices, which can then be executed within the device environment.

Affected Systems and Versions

Devices such as D6200, D7000, R6020, R6080, R6120, R6260, and many others are vulnerable to stored XSS attacks when running firmware versions below specific releases.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privileges can exploit this vulnerability by injecting crafted scripts into affected NETGEAR devices, tricking users into interacting with malicious content.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2021-38536, users and administrators can take the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected devices to the latest firmware versions provided by NETGEAR.
Regularly monitor for security advisories and patches from the vendor.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices from critical assets.
Educate users on identifying and avoiding malicious content that could trigger stored XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of firmware updates and security patches released by NETGEAR to address known vulnerabilities and mitigate security risks.