CVE-2026-0407 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) affecting the NETGEAR EX5000 WiFi range extender. The flaw allows a network-adjacent attacker—someone connected to the same WiFi network or physically connected via Ethernet—to bypass the authentication mechanism protecting the device's administrative interface. This bypass means the attacker can gain unauthorized access to the admin panel, potentially allowing them to alter device configurations, disrupt network operations, or pivot to other internal network resources. The vulnerability arises from insufficient authentication controls, meaning the device does not properly verify the identity or privileges of the user attempting to access the admin panel. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates the attack requires low complexity, no user interaction, and only limited privileges (network adjacency or physical access). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high since administrative access can lead to full device compromise. No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and assigned a medium severity score of 6.1. The device is commonly used in small to medium business and home environments to extend WiFi coverage, making it a potential target for attackers seeking to infiltrate local networks.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to network security, particularly in environments where NETGEAR EX5000 extenders are deployed to provide WiFi coverage. Unauthorized access to the admin panel could allow attackers to change network configurations, disable security features, or create backdoors, potentially leading to broader network compromise. Confidentiality of internal communications could be breached, and integrity of network settings compromised, affecting business operations and data protection compliance. Availability could also be impacted if attackers disrupt device functionality. Given the medium severity and the requirement for network adjacency or physical access, the threat is more pronounced in environments with less controlled network access or where physical security is lax. European organizations with critical infrastructure or sensitive data relying on these devices should consider this vulnerability a moderate risk that requires timely mitigation to prevent exploitation.

1. Restrict physical and network access to NETGEAR EX5000 devices by implementing strict network segmentation and access controls, ensuring only authorized personnel and systems can connect to the device's management interface. 2. Disable remote management features if not required, or restrict remote access to trusted IP addresses and secure management protocols. 3. Monitor network traffic for unusual access attempts to the extender's admin panel, using intrusion detection systems tailored to detect unauthorized authentication bypass attempts. 4. Regularly audit and update device firmware; although no patch is currently available, stay informed on vendor updates and apply patches promptly once released. 5. Change default credentials and use strong, unique passwords for device administration to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. 6. Employ network access control (NAC) solutions to limit which devices can connect to the network segments hosting the extenders. 7. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of connecting unknown devices to the network and the importance of physical security for network hardware.