Source: vulnreport@tenable.com
Netgear Nighthawk R6700 version 1.0.4.120 contains a command injection vulnerability in update functionality of the device. By triggering a system update check via the SOAP interface, the device is susceptible to command injection via preconfigured values.
Netgear Nighthawk R6700 routers are vulnerable to a critical command injection flaw, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the device. This vulnerability, triggered through the router's SOAP interface during a system update check, can lead to complete device compromise and potential network-wide access. Successful exploitation grants attackers full control, enabling data theft, network manipulation, and device bricking.
Step 1: Trigger Update Check: The attacker sends a crafted SOAP request to the router's update check endpoint. This request is designed to initiate the update process.
Step 2: Payload Injection: Within the SOAP request, the attacker includes malicious commands disguised as legitimate update parameters or preconfigured values. These commands are crafted to be executed by the router's underlying operating system.
Step 3: Command Execution: The router, due to the lack of input validation, processes the malicious commands during the update check. The injected commands are executed with elevated privileges, typically root.
Step 4: System Compromise: The executed commands allow the attacker to gain control of the router. This can include remote access, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the network.
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the update functionality of the Netgear R6700 router, specifically within the SOAP interface used for update checks. The router's firmware fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data or preconfigured values used during the update process. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands into the update process. When the update check is triggered, the router executes these injected commands with elevated privileges, leading to arbitrary code execution. The root cause is a lack of proper input validation and sanitization of parameters passed to the system's command execution functions, allowing for the injection of malicious commands.
While no specific APT groups are definitively linked to this vulnerability, the ease of exploitation and potential for widespread impact make it attractive to various threat actors. This vulnerability could be used by financially motivated actors, state-sponsored actors, or opportunistic attackers. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV at this time, but given its severity, it is likely to be added.
Network traffic analysis: Monitor for unusual SOAP requests to the router's update check endpoint, especially those containing suspicious payloads or command injection attempts.
Log analysis: Examine router logs for suspicious command executions or errors related to the update process.
File integrity monitoring: Monitor critical system files for unauthorized modifications.
Honeypots: Deploy honeypots that mimic the vulnerable router to capture and analyze exploit attempts.
Update Firmware: Apply the latest firmware update provided by Netgear to patch the vulnerability. This is the primary and most effective remediation step.
Network Segmentation: Isolate the router from critical network segments to limit the impact of a successful compromise.
Disable Remote Management: Disable remote access to the router's management interface if not required. This reduces the attack surface.
Strong Passwords: Enforce strong, unique passwords for the router's administrative interface.
Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.