CVE-2026-0412 Overview
CVE-2026-0412 is an insufficient input validation vulnerability [CWE-20] in the NETGEAR JR6150, an AC750 WiFi Router 802.11ac Dual Band Gigabit device released in 2014. An administrator connected to the local network can leverage the flaw to make unauthorized modifications to router software and functionality. The device reached End-of-Support status in 2018 and no longer receives security updates from NETGEAR. The vulnerability was identified through firmware emulation in a controlled research environment and has not been verified on production hardware. NETGEAR recommends replacing affected devices with newer supported models.
Critical Impact
An authenticated administrator on the adjacent network can modify router software and functionality due to insufficient input validation on an unsupported NETGEAR JR6150 device.
Affected Products
- NETGEAR JR6150 (AC750 WiFi Router 802.11ac Dual Band Gigabit, released 2014)
- Status: End-of-Support since 2018, no security updates available
- Verification: Identified via firmware emulation, not validated on production hardware
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-09 - CVE-2026-0412 published to NVD
- 2026-06-10 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-0412
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation [CWE-20] within the NETGEAR JR6150 firmware. The router fails to properly validate input supplied to administrative interfaces, allowing values that should be rejected to influence router software state and behavior. An authenticated administrator on the local network can submit crafted input to alter router functionality outside intended parameters. Because the JR6150 reached End-of-Support in 2018, no vendor patch will be issued. The flaw was identified through firmware emulation in a controlled research environment, and exploitation has not been confirmed on production hardware. See the NETGEAR Security Advisory June 2026 for vendor guidance.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of input handled by administrative router functions. The firmware accepts data without enforcing constraints on type, length, format, or expected value ranges. This allows administrator-supplied content to bypass intended processing logic and modify router software or configuration state.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires adjacent network access and high privileges. An attacker must already hold administrator credentials and be connected to the local network served by the router. No user interaction is required. The attacker submits malformed input through the administrative interface to trigger unauthorized modifications. Because the vulnerability impacts integrity only, confidentiality and availability of the device are not directly affected per the CVSS vector.
No verified public exploitation code is available. The vulnerability mechanism is described in the NETGEAR Security Advisory June 2026.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0412
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected changes to router firmware, configuration files, or feature settings on JR6150 devices.
- Administrative sessions originating from unusual local network endpoints or at unusual times.
- Router behavior deviating from the documented baseline, such as altered routing or service responses.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory networks for the legacy NETGEAR JR6150 and flag any instances still in production use.
- Monitor administrative login events and configuration changes through router syslog forwarding.
- Compare current router configuration exports against a known-good baseline on a recurring schedule.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward router system logs to a centralized logging platform for correlation with network telemetry.
- Alert on administrative authentication attempts from non-management VLANs or unapproved hosts.
- Track outbound traffic patterns from the router for indicators of unauthorized functionality changes.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0412
Immediate Actions Required
- Replace the NETGEAR JR6150 with a currently supported NETGEAR model that receives security updates, as recommended by the vendor.
- Restrict administrative access to the router to a dedicated management VLAN with strict access control lists.
- Rotate administrator credentials and disable any unused administrative services on the device.
Patch Information
No patch is available. The NETGEAR JR6150 reached End-of-Support status in 2018 and no longer receives security updates. NETGEAR strongly recommends replacing affected devices with newer supported NETGEAR models. Refer to the NETGEAR Product Support Page for replacement guidance.
Workarounds
- Limit local network access to the router administration interface to trusted hosts only.
- Enforce strong, unique administrator passwords and disable remote management features.
- Segment the JR6150 onto an isolated network until replacement hardware is deployed.
# Configuration example: restrict administrative access to a dedicated management host
# Apply on an upstream firewall in front of the JR6150
iptables -A FORWARD -s 192.0.2.10 -d <jr6150_ip> -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A FORWARD -d <jr6150_ip> -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -d <jr6150_ip> -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
