CVE-2022-47209 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2022-47209, a critical vulnerability in NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi6 Router prior to V1.0.9.90. Understand the impact, affected systems, exploitation risks, and mitigation steps.
A support user exists on the device and appears to be a backdoor for Technical Support staff. The default password for this account is “support” and cannot be changed by a user via any normally accessible means.
Understanding CVE-2022-47209
This CVE highlights a serious vulnerability related to hardcoded credentials in the NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi6 Router.
What is CVE-2022-47209?
The CVE-2022-47209 vulnerability involves the existence of a support user account with a hardcoded password on the NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi6 Router, posing a security risk as the password cannot be changed by the user.
The Impact of CVE-2022-47209
The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows unauthorized access to the device, potentially exposing sensitive information and compromising the security of the router and connected network.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-47209
This section provides technical details related to the CVE-2022-47209 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stems from the presence of a support user account with a hardcoded password “support” that cannot be altered by the user, serving as a potential backdoor for unauthorized access.
Affected Systems and Versions
The affected system is the NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi6 Router prior to version V1.0.9.90. Users with this version are at risk of exploitation due to the hardcoded credentials.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the hardcoded credentials to gain unauthorized access to the device, compromising its security and potentially breaching the network.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2022-47209, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.
Immediate Steps to Take
Immediately change the default password of the support user account on the affected NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi6 Router. Limit access to the router to authorized personnel only.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement strong password policies, conduct regular security audits, and monitor for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities on the network.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and firmware updates provided by NETGEAR to remediate the hardcoded credentials vulnerability.