Source: vulnreport@tenable.com
Netgear RAX43 version 1.0.3.96 stores sensitive information in plaintext. All usernames and passwords for the device's associated services are stored in plaintext on the device. For example, the admin password is stored in plaintext in the primary configuration file on the device.
Netgear RAX43 routers running firmware version 1.0.3.96 are vulnerable to a critical security flaw where sensitive credentials, including the administrator password, are stored in plaintext. This allows attackers to easily gain complete control of the device and potentially the network it protects, leading to data breaches and network compromise.
Step 1: Reconnaissance: The attacker identifies a vulnerable Netgear RAX43 router running firmware version 1.0.3.96. This can be achieved through network scanning or information gathering.
Step 2: Access the File System: The attacker gains access to the device's file system. This could be achieved through various means, including exploiting other vulnerabilities, gaining physical access, or leveraging default credentials if they haven't been changed.
Step 3: Locate the Configuration File: The attacker identifies the primary configuration file where the sensitive information is stored. This file typically contains all the device's settings, including usernames and passwords.
Step 4: Extract Credentials: The attacker opens the configuration file and reads the plaintext credentials, including the admin password and potentially other service credentials.
Step 5: Gain Control: The attacker uses the extracted credentials to log in to the router's web interface or other services, gaining full control of the device and the network it protects.
The vulnerability stems from a fundamental design flaw in the Netgear RAX43 firmware. The configuration files, which store all device settings including usernames and passwords for services like the admin interface, are not encrypted or protected. The specific function responsible for writing the configuration data to persistent storage (likely flash memory) fails to implement any form of encryption or hashing for sensitive credentials. This means that the admin password and other credentials are stored in plain text, making them easily readable by anyone with access to the device's file system. The root cause is a lack of secure coding practices during the development of the firmware, specifically the omission of encryption for sensitive data at rest.
While no specific APT groups are directly linked, the ease of exploitation makes this vulnerability attractive to a wide range of attackers, including financially motivated actors and those seeking to establish a foothold in a network. This vulnerability is not currently listed on the CISA KEV list, but it poses a significant risk and could be added if actively exploited in the wild.
Monitor network traffic for unusual activity originating from the router, such as suspicious outbound connections or attempts to access internal resources.
Analyze router logs for unauthorized login attempts or configuration changes.
Perform file system integrity checks to identify any modifications to the configuration files.
Implement network intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to detect and block malicious traffic.
Monitor for indicators of compromise (IOCs), such as known malicious IP addresses or domain names associated with exploitation attempts.
Conduct regular vulnerability scans to identify vulnerable devices on the network.
Upgrade the Netgear RAX43 router's firmware to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability. Check the Netgear support website for the latest firmware updates.
If upgrading is not immediately possible, isolate the vulnerable router from the rest of the network to limit the impact of a potential compromise.
Change the default administrator password to a strong, unique password.
Disable remote access to the router's web interface if not required.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised device.
Regularly back up the router's configuration to allow for quick restoration in case of a compromise.
Consider replacing the vulnerable router with a more secure model if patching is not available or reliable.