This vulnerability allows attackers with physical access to escalate privileges on affected installations of Arlo Q Plus 1.9.0.3278. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the SSH service. The device can be booted into a special operation mode where hard-coded credentials are accepted for SSH authentication. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-12890.

NETGEAR Arlo base stations with firmware 1.7.56178 and earlier, Arlo Q devices with firmware 1.8.05551 and earlier, and Arlo Q Plus devices with firmware 1.8.16094 and earlier use a pattern of adjective, noun, and three-digit number for the customized password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a dictionary attack.

NETGEAR Arlo base stations with firmware 1.7.56178 and earlier, Arlo Q devices with firmware 1.8.05551 and earlier, and Arlo Q Plus devices with firmware 1.8.16094 and earlier have a default password of 12345678, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access after a factory reset or in a factory configuration.