How severe is CVE-2021-20170?

CVE-2021-20170 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-20170 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (39th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-20170?

CVE-2021-20170 affects Netgear Rax43 Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-20170?

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-2021-20170 published?

CVE-2021-20170 was published on 2021-12-30 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-20170

CVE-2021-20170 is a high-severity vulnerability in Netgear Rax43 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-798.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
CVSS v2: 6.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (39th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-798
Affected product: Netgear Rax43 Firmware
Published: 2021-12-30
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Netgear RAX43 version 1.0.3.96 makes use of hardcoded credentials. It does not appear that normal users are intended to be able to manipulate configuration backups due to the fact that they are encrypted. This encryption is accomplished via a password-protected zip file with a hardcoded password (RAX50w!a4udk). By unzipping the configuration using this password, a user can reconfigure settings not intended to be manipulated, re-zip the configuration, and restore a backup causing these settings to be changed.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-20170?: Netgear RAX43 version 1.0.3.96 makes use of hardcoded credentials. It does not appear that normal users are intended to be able to manipulate configuration backups due to the fact that they are encrypted. This encryption is accomplished via a password-protected zip file with a hardcoded password (RAX50w!a4udk). By unzipping the configuration using this password, a user can reconfigure settings not intended to be manipulated, re-zip the configuration, and restore a backup causing these settings to be changed.
How severe is CVE-2021-20170?: CVE-2021-20170 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-20170 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (39th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-20170?: CVE-2021-20170 affects Netgear Rax43 Firmware. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-20170?: 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-2021-20170 published?: CVE-2021-20170 was published on 2021-12-30 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.tenable.com/security/research/tra-2021-55

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:netgear:rax43_firmware:1.0.3.96:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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