Root command execution via hidden telnet trigger
Published Mar 21, 2023 · Updated Feb 26, 2025
Command execution in NETGEAR Orbi RBR750 4.6.8.5 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands over the local network. The UDP port 23 trigger handler decrypts a packet carrying the br-lan MAC address and administrator credentials, then enables a hidden telnet service that opens a root shell. Access requires the Wi-Fi password or Ethernet connectivity, administrator credentials, and the router serial number and MAC address.
Summary
What happened
Command execution in NETGEAR Orbi RBR750 4.6.8.5 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands over the local network. The UDP port 23 trigger handler decrypts a packet carrying the br-lan MAC address and administrator credentials, then enables a hidden telnet service that opens a root shell. Access requires the Wi-Fi password or Ethernet connectivity, administrator credentials, and the router serial number and MAC address.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2022-38452
- Published
- Mar 21, 2023
- Updated
- Feb 26, 2025
- Vendor
- NETGEAR
- Product
- Orbi WiFi 6 Router AX4200 (RBR750)
- Classifications
- CWE-912, T1021
- Attack vector
- adjacent
- Privileges
- admin
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Mar 21, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Feb 26, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=4.6.8.5
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Public exploit references
- enable_telnet_poc.pyproof of concept · demonstrated
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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