How severe is CVE-2018-21118?

CVE-2018-21118 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over an adjacent network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2018-21118 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (50th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-21118?

CVE-2018-21118 affects Netgear Xr500 Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-21118?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2018-21118 published?

CVE-2018-21118 was published on 2020-04-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-21118

CVE-2018-21118 is a high-severity vulnerability in Netgear Xr500 Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-287.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
CVSS v2: 5.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (50th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-287
Affected product: Netgear Xr500 Firmware
Published: 2020-04-22
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

NETGEAR XR500 devices before 2.3.2.32 are affected by authentication bypass.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-21118?: NETGEAR XR500 devices before 2.3.2.32 are affected by authentication bypass.
How severe is CVE-2018-21118?: CVE-2018-21118 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over an adjacent network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2018-21118 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (50th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-21118?: CVE-2018-21118 affects Netgear Xr500 Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-21118?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2018-21118 published?: CVE-2018-21118 was published on 2020-04-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://kb.netgear.com/000060240/Security-Advisory-for-Authentication-Bypass-on-XR500-PSV-2018-0324

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:netgear:xr500_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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