CVE-2026-0418: Netgear Configuration Tampering Vulnerability (CBR750, EX6120, RAX Series)

Technical summary

This vulnerability stems from insufficient configuration management controls (CWE-15, CWE-610) in Netgear's firmware implementations. An authenticated administrator with local network connectivity can bypass intended restrictions and tamper with system configuration, potentially altering routing rules, security policies, or device behavior. The CVSS 3.1 score of 4.5 reflects the requirement for elevated privileges (PR:H) and local network access (AV:A), combined with high integrity impact. No confidentiality or availability impact is indicated in the vector.

Business impact

Organizations relying on Netgear infrastructure for critical network services face risk from insider threats or credential compromise. An attacker with administrative access could modify firewall rules, disable security features, or reconfigure network segmentation. For businesses using these devices in branch offices or remote sites, the ability to tamper with configuration from a locally connected position could compromise network integrity without triggering standard remote attack detection. The impact scales with the sensitivity of traffic these devices handle.

Affected systems

The vulnerability affects a broad range of Netgear products spanning multiple device categories: cable modem routers (CBR750), WiFi extenders (EX6120, EX6130), mesh routers (MR60, MR70, MR80, MS60, MS70, MS80), WiFi 6 routers (RAX15, RAX20, RAX200, RAX35V2, RAX38V2, RAX40V2, RAX42, RAX43, RAX45, RAX48, RAX50), and associated firmware versions. Both hardware and firmware products are listed, indicating the issue exists in the software layer across device generations.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires two preconditions: valid administrative credentials and direct local network access. The attack does not require user interaction and succeeds consistently given those conditions (AC:L). This constraint substantially lowers real-world risk for internet-facing deployments but elevates concern for internal networks with untrusted administrators or for scenarios where credentials are compromised on-site. The vulnerability does not appear on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list, and no public exploits are documented.

Remediation

Organizations should obtain and deploy firmware updates from Netgear addressing CVE-2026-0418 across affected product lines. Verify against Netgear's security advisory for specific patched firmware versions for each model. Until patched, restrict administrative access to trusted personnel only, use strong authentication mechanisms, and segment administration traffic on dedicated networks. Monitor admin login activity and configuration change logs for anomalies.

Patch guidance

Contact Netgear support or visit their security advisory portal to identify the patched firmware version for your specific device model (CBR750, EX6120, EX6130, MR/MS/RAX series). Firmware updates should be applied during maintenance windows, as they typically require device restart. Verify the integrity of downloaded firmware using provided checksums before installation. Test in a non-critical environment first if possible to ensure compatibility with your configuration.

Detection guidance

Monitor Netgear device logs for unexpected configuration changes, particularly modifications to firewall rules, DHCP settings, DNS configuration, or wireless parameters. Set alerts for administrative login events from unfamiliar IP addresses on the local network. Review audit logs for mass or repeated configuration changes within short timeframes. Network monitoring can detect unusual traffic patterns if an attacker modifies routing or security policies. Baseline your device configurations and flag deviations from known-good states.

Why prioritize this

Although rated MEDIUM severity, this vulnerability warrants attention based on scope. The broad product range affected—spanning consumer mesh systems to business-grade cable modem routers—means many organizations likely operate at least one vulnerable device. The insider threat vector is relevant in any environment where administrative credentials could be compromised or where disgruntled staff exist. However, the local-network-only requirement and credential dependency mean it does not pose an immediate emergency comparable to unauthenticated remote code execution flaws. Prioritize patching in high-trust-boundary locations and production network infrastructure.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 4.5 reflects a bounded but meaningful risk. The adjacent network requirement (AV:A) eliminates internet exposure, while the high privilege requirement (PR:H) ensures only trusted roles can exploit it directly. The high integrity impact (I:H) is the primary driver—an attacker can corrupt system configuration. However, no confidentiality breach or availability loss is indicated, and the user interaction requirement is absent, making the scenario straightforward for someone with admin credentials. For organizations with strong access controls, this represents low immediate risk; for those with weak credential hygiene, it is more material.

Frequently asked questions