CVE-2021-45077

Step 1: Reconnaissance: Identify vulnerable devices using network scanning tools (e.g., Nmap) to detect Netgear R6700 routers. Step 2: Access the Configuration File: Obtain access to the router's file system. This can be achieved through various methods, including exploiting other vulnerabilities (if present) or leveraging default credentials or weak passwords. Step 3: Locate the Configuration File: Identify the primary configuration file where the sensitive information is stored. This file likely contains the admin password, Wi-Fi credentials, and other service credentials. Step 4: Extract Plaintext Credentials: Open the configuration file and read the plaintext usernames and passwords. Step 5: Gain Control: Use the extracted credentials to log into the router's web interface or access associated services, gaining complete control of the device and potentially the network.

The root cause of CVE-2021-45077 is the insecure storage of sensitive information, specifically usernames and passwords, in plaintext within the router's configuration files. The device's firmware fails to encrypt or hash these credentials, making them easily readable by anyone with access to the file system. This lack of proper security measures, such as encryption or secure hashing algorithms, allows for trivial retrieval of administrative and service credentials. The flaw lies in the design and implementation of the configuration management system, which prioritizes ease of access over security. The specific function responsible for writing the configuration data to the file system is the likely point of failure, failing to incorporate any security measures to protect the sensitive data.