CVE-2021-27257 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2021-27257 article provides insights into a vulnerability affecting NETGEAR R7800 firmware version 1.0.2.76 that permits network-adjacent attackers to compromise data integrity without needing authentication. Read on to understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2021-27257

CVE-2021-27257 is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to compromise the integrity of downloaded information on NETGEAR R7800 firmware version 1.0.2.76 installations without authentication.

What is CVE-2021-27257?

The flaw lies in the FTP file download process due to improper validation of the server certificate. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code without requiring user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2021-27257

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 6.5. It allows attackers to access and manipulate downloaded data, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-27257

The technical aspects of the CVE-2021-27257 vulnerability encompass:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the inadequate validation of server certificates during file downloads via FTP on affected NETGEAR R7800 devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue impacts installations running NETGEAR R7800 with firmware version 1.0.2.76. Systems using other versions are not affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by leveraging the lack of proper certificate validation during FTP file downloads, enabling the execution of arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-27257, users and administrators can take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable FTP services on affected NETGEAR R7800 devices.
Monitor vendor security advisories for patches or workarounds.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware to patched versions.
Implement network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches released by NETGEAR to address the certificate validation issue in affected firmware versions.