Description Preview
Overview
This vulnerability (CVE-2021-38539) allows attackers to perform vertical privilege escalation on affected NETGEAR devices. Privilege escalation vulnerabilities are particularly concerning as they enable attackers to gain higher-level permissions than intended, potentially leading to complete device compromise. In this case, an attacker could potentially elevate their privileges to gain administrative access to the router, which would allow them to modify network settings, intercept traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks on the network. The vulnerability affects a wide range of NETGEAR consumer routers and gateways, many of which are commonly used in home and small business environments.
Remediation
Users of affected NETGEAR devices should immediately update their firmware to the following versions or later:
- D8500: Update to firmware version 1.0.3.44 or later
- R6400v2: Update to firmware version 1.0.2.66 or later
- R6700: Update to firmware version 1.0.2.6 or later
- R6700v3: Update to firmware version 1.0.2.66 or later
- R6900: Update to firmware version 1.0.2.4 or later
- R6900P: Update to firmware version 1.3.2.126 or later
- R7000: Update to firmware version 1.0.9.42 or later
- R7000P: Update to firmware version 1.3.2.126 or later
- R7100LG: Update to firmware version 1.0.0.50 or later
- R7300DST: Update to firmware version 1.0.0.70 or later
- R7900: Update to firmware version 1.0.3.10 or later
- R8300: Update to firmware version 1.0.2.130 or later
- R8500: Update to firmware version 1.0.2.130 or later
Firmware updates can be obtained through the NETGEAR support website or through the router's administrative interface. Additionally, users should ensure their routers are protected by strong, unique passwords and disable remote management if not needed.
References
- NETGEAR Security Advisory for Vertical Privilege Escalation (PSV-2018-0385): https://kb.netgear.com/000063760/Security-Advisory-for-Vertical-Privilege-Escalation-on-Some-Routers-and-Gateways-PSV-2018-0385
- MITRE CVE Entry: CVE-2021-38539
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
