CVE-2021-34979: Security Advisory for Vertical Privilege Escalation on Some Routers, PSV-2021-0152 | Answer

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Associated CVE ID: CVE-2021-34979

Associated ZDI ID: ZDI-CAN-13512

First published: 2021-10-13

NETGEAR has released fixes for a vertical privilege escalation security vulnerability on the following product models:

• AC2100, fixed in firmware version 1.2.0.88
• AC2400, fixed in firmware version 1.2.0.88
• AC2600, fixed in firmware version 1.2.0.88
• R6020, fixed in firmware version 1.0.0.52
• R6080, fixed in firmware version 1.0.0.52
• R6120, fixed in firmware version 1.0.0.80
• R6260, fixed in firmware version 1.1.0.84
• R6330, fixed in firmware version 1.1.0.84
• R6350, fixed in firmware version 1.1.0.84
• R6700v2, fixed in firmware version 1.2.0.88
• R6800, fixed in firmware version 1.2.0.88
• R6850, fixed in firmware version 1.1.0.84
• R6900v2, fixed in firmware version 1.2.0.88
• R7200, fixed in firmware version 1.2.0.88
• R7350, fixed in firmware version 1.2.0.88
• R7400, fixed in firmware version 1.2.0.88
• R7450, fixed in firmware version 1.2.0.88

NETGEAR strongly recommends that you download the latest firmware as soon as possible.

To download the latest firmware for your NETGEAR product:

1. Visit NETGEAR Support.
2. Start typing your model number in the search box, then select your model from the drop-down menu as soon as it appears.
   If you do not see a drop-down menu, make sure that you entered your model number correctly, or select a product category to browse for your product model.
3. Click Downloads.
4. Under Current Versions, select the first download whose title begins with Firmware Version.
5. Click Download.
6. (Optional) To view the release notes for this firmware version, click Release Notes.
7. Unzip the new firmware to an easy-to-find location, such as your desktop.
8. Follow the firmware upgrade instructions in your product’s user manual, which is available on your product’s support page under User Guides and Documentation.
   Note: If your product does not have a user manual, look for a software administration manual, reference manual, or configuration utility user guide.

Disclaimer

This document is provided on an “as is” basis and does not imply any kind of guarantee or warranty, including the warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use. Your use of the information in the document or materials linked from the document is at your own risk. NETGEAR reserves the right to change or update this document at any time. NETGEAR expects to update this document as new information becomes available.

The vertical privilege escalation vulnerability remains if you do not complete all recommended steps. NETGEAR is not responsible for any consequences that could have been avoided by following the recommendations in this notification.

Acknowledgements

Sherman Chann Zhi Shen & Hoang Thach Nguyen (d4rkn3ss) working with Trend Micro Zero Day Initiative

Common Vulnerability Scoring System

Rating: Medium

Score: 8.8

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Best Practices for Updating Firmware

We recommend that you keep your NETGEAR devices up to date with the latest firmware. Firmware updates contain security fixes, bug fixes, and new features for your NETGEAR products.

If your product is supported by one of our apps, using the app is the easiest way to update your firmware:

• Orbi products: NETGEAR Orbi app
• NETGEAR WiFi routers: NETGEAR Nighthawk app
• Some NETGEAR Business products: NETGEAR Insight app (firmware updates through the app are available only for Insight subscribers)

If your product is not supported by one of our apps, you can always update your firmware manually by following the instructions in your product’s user manual, firmware release notes, or product support page. For more information, see Where can I find information about my NETGEAR product?.

Contact

We appreciate and value having security concerns brought to our attention. NETGEAR constantly monitors for both known and unknown threats. Being pro-active rather than re-active to emerging security issues is fundamental for product support at NETGEAR.

It is NETGEAR’s mission to be the innovative leader in connecting the world to the internet. To achieve this mission, we strive to earn and maintain the trust of those that use NETGEAR products for their connectivity.

To report a security vulnerability, visit https://bugcrowd.com/netgear.

If you are a NETGEAR customer with a security-related support concern, you can contact NETGEAR customer support at [email protected].

For all other issues, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/security/.

Revision History

2021-10-13: Published advisory

2021-10-25:

• Updated CVE ID
• Updated Acknowledgements

Last Updated:10/25/2021 | Article ID: 000064261

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This article applies to:

• Wireless AC Router Nighthawk (13)
  • AC2100
  • AC2400
  • AC2600
  • R6260
  • R6350
  • R6700v2
  • R6800
  • R6850
  • R6900v2
  • R7200
  • R7350
  • R7400
  • R7450
• Wireless AC Router (4)
  • R6020
  • R6080
  • R6120
  • R6330

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