CVE-2021-20172
CVE-2021-20172 is a high-severity vulnerability in Netgear Genie Installer with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-732.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
- CVSS v2: 7.2
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (21st percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-732
- Affected product: Netgear Genie Installer
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
All known versions of the Netgear Genie Installer for macOS contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability. The installer of the macOS version of Netgear Genie handles certain files in an insecure way. A malicious actor who has local access to the endpoint on which the software is going to be installed may overwrite certain files to obtain privilege escalation to root.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2021-20172?
- All known versions of the Netgear Genie Installer for macOS contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability. The installer of the macOS version of Netgear Genie handles certain files in an insecure way. A malicious actor who has local access to the endpoint on which the software is going to be installed may overwrite certain files to obtain privilege escalation to root.
- How severe is CVE-2021-20172?
- CVE-2021-20172 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2021-20172 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (21st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2021-20172?
- CVE-2021-20172 affects Netgear Genie Installer. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2021-20172?
- 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-2021-20172 published?
- CVE-2021-20172 was published on 2021-12-30 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:netgear:genie_installer:-:*:*:*:*:macos:*:*
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