A path traversal vulnerability in NETGEAR WiFi range extenders allows an attacker with LAN authentication to access the router's IP and review the contents of the dynamically generated webproc file, which records the username and password submitted to the router GUI. This vulnerability is classified with a CVSS score of 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. The potential for unauthorized access to sensitive credentials poses a risk to organizations employing these devices.
Risk to organizations includes exposure of sensitive information such as usernames and passwords. Given the nature of this vulnerability, it can be exploited by an authenticated attacker on the local network. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent potential unauthorized access to their network.
Currently, there are no known exploits or public proof-of-concept (PoC) available for this vulnerability. However, its presence in widely used devices necessitates prompt attention from security teams. Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
The urgency for defenders to respond cannot be overstated, as this vulnerability allows access to critical information that can be leveraged for further attacks within the network.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-0408 is classified as a path traversal issue affecting NETGEAR WiFi range extenders, specifically the ex2800, ex3110, ex5000, and ex6110 firmware versions. The official description highlights that an attacker with LAN authentication can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive data, such as usernames and passwords, stored in the router's dynamically generated webproc file.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.1, placing it in the medium severity category. The attack vector is classified as adjacent, indicating that the attacker must be on the same local network as the vulnerable device. The attack complexity is low, requiring only low privileges and no user interaction to exploit the vulnerability.
The publication date for CVE-2026-0408 is January 13, 2026, and it has been classified under CWE-287, indicating improper authentication.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user input within the web interface of the NETGEAR WiFi range extenders, allowing for path traversal. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to access restricted files that should not be accessible with their current privileges.
The attack vector is adjacent, meaning that an attacker must be within the same local network to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, as it does not require any specialized knowledge or tools beyond basic network access. Privileges required are low; an attacker only needs to authenticate as a local user.
User interaction is not required, and the impacts of this vulnerability include a high level of confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks. This means that all three core aspects of data security are threatened, allowing attackers to potentially gain access to sensitive information, modify it, or disrupt services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is significant, particularly for organizations that rely on NETGEAR WiFi range extenders within their networks. The ability for an authenticated attacker to access sensitive information such as router credentials places organizations at risk of further attacks, including unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Organizations should consider the blast radius of this vulnerability; if exploited, an attacker could gain access to the entire network infrastructure, leading to a compromise of additional sensitive systems and data.
Given the CVSS score reflects a medium severity, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The urgency for remediation is underscored by the potential for exploitation in environments where these devices are deployed.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include NETGEAR WiFi range extenders with the following firmware: ex2800, ex3110, ex5000, and ex6110, specifically those versions prior to 1.0.1.82. Organizations are advised to apply the latest firmware updates to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize applying the firmware updates provided by NETGEAR to remediate this vulnerability. The latest patch for affected versions can be found on the NETGEAR support website.
Security testing and application security assessments can also help identify whether similar vulnerabilities exist in your environment.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual access patterns to the router management interface. Behavioral anomalies, such as unauthorized IP addresses attempting to access sensitive files, should be flagged for further review.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-0408 lies in its potential to expose critical information within organizational networks. This vulnerability highlights the importance of securing router management interfaces and ensuring that all devices on the network are adequately protected against unauthorized access.
Security teams should remain vigilant and adopt a proactive stance towards vulnerability management, as this issue represents a pattern of ongoing security challenges faced by organizations today.
For further insights into securing network devices, organizations can explore our resources on vulnerability management programs, the role of penetration testing, and the importance of securing cloud environments to mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities like this.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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