What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-20172?

CVE-2021-20172 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (High). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. EPSS exploitation probability: 0.3%.

Is there a public PoC exploit available for CVE-2021-20172?

Yes, a public proof-of-concept exploit is available for CVE-2021-20172. Prioritise patching immediately. EPSS: 0.3%.

Genie Installer CVE-2021-20172

HIGH

Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource (CWE-732)

2021-12-30 vulnreport@tenable.com

Netgear Apple Privilege Escalation Genie Installer

7.8

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

7.8 HIGH

AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector

Local

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

Low

User Interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Lifecycle Timeline

CVE Published

Dec 30, 2021 - 22:15 nvd

HIGH 7.8

DescriptionNVD

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.

AnalysisAI

All known versions of the Netgear Genie Installer for macOS contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.

Technical ContextAI

This vulnerability is classified as Incorrect Permission Assignment (CWE-732), which allows attackers to access resources due to misconfigured permissions. 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. Affected products include: Netgear Genie Installer.

RemediationAI

No vendor patch is available at time of analysis. Monitor vendor advisories for updates. Review and restrict file/resource permissions, apply principle of least privilege.