CVE-2021-34977 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2021-34977 article provides insights into a critical vulnerability affecting NETGEAR R7000 routers, allowing attackers to bypass authentication and reset the admin password.

Understanding CVE-2021-34977

CVE-2021-34977 discloses an authentication bypass vulnerability present in NETGEAR R7000 routers. Network-adjacent threat actors can exploit this flaw without requiring authentication.

What is CVE-2021-34977?

CVE-2021-34977 enables network-adjacent attackers to bypass authentication on NETGEAR R7000 routers. The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper authentication verification during a password reset.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34977

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level. Attackers can exploit the flaw to reset the admin password without authentication, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34977

The following details shed light on the technical aspects of CVE-2021-34977:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authentication on affected NETGEAR R7000 installations by exploiting flaws in SOAP request processing.

Affected Systems and Versions

NETGEAR R7000 routers running version 1.0.11.116_10.2.100 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Adversaries can leverage this vulnerability to reset the admin password on vulnerable installations, posing a significant security risk.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding key steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-34977 is crucial for enhancing network security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected NETGEAR R7000 routers to the latest firmware version promptly.
Monitor network logs for any suspicious activity indicating exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong password policies and regularly update default credentials on network devices.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

NETGEAR has released patches to address CVE-2021-34977. Ensure timely application of security updates to protect against potential exploitation.