The Register: Netgear fixes critical bugs as Five Eyes warn about break-ins at the edge

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/05/netgear_fixes_critical_bugs_while/
Source: The Register
Title: Netgear fixes critical bugs as Five Eyes warn about break-ins at the edge

Feedly Summary: International security squads all focus on stopping baddies busting in through routers, IoT kit etc
Netgear is advising customers to upgrade their firmware after it patched two critical vulnerabilities affecting multiple routers.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

**Summary:** Netgear has issued a stern warning for users to update their router firmware due to critical vulnerabilities that could lead to severe attacks. The combination of these vulnerabilities has garnered attention from national security agencies, highlighting the broader issue of edge device security amid increasing cyber threats.

**Detailed Description:**
The article discusses recent security vulnerabilities affecting multiple models of Netgear routers, which have prompted a warning for users to upgrade their firmware:

– **Vulnerabilities Identified:**
– Two critical vulnerabilities rated with high severity:
– **Authentication Bypass Bug (PSV ID: 2024-0117)**: CVSS score of 9.6
– **Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution (RCE) Flaw (PSV ID: 2023-0039)**: CVSS score of 9.8
– Vulnerable models include both current and end-of-life devices, indicating a wide-ranging impact.

– **Importance of Edge Devices:**
– Edge devices like routers and access points can serve as entry points for attackers into networks.
– National security agencies from multiple countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, etc.) have issued coordinated guidelines to enhance the security of such devices.

– **Recommendations from Agencies:**
– The guidelines emphasize:
– Enhanced logging
– Forensic data gathering
– The intention is to provide manufacturers and users with the necessary tools to prevent and investigate cyber intrusions, ensuring robust defense against potential attacks.

– **Call for Action:**
– Security leaders have stressed the need for organizations to prioritize the security of edge devices as they scale up, especially to protect critical services and sensitive data.
– The cooperation of international security agencies highlights the urgency and widespread nature of the threats faced by organizations today.

This situation underlines the critical need for continuous firmware updates and improved security practices for edge devices to enhance overall network security. It serves as a reminder for organizations to bake security into their operational frameworks and stay abreast of evolving threats in the cybersecurity landscape.