CVE-2016-1396 in RV110W
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the web-based management interface on Cisco RV110W devices with firmware before 1.2.1.7, RV130W devices with firmware before 1.0.3.16, and RV215W devices with firmware before 1.3.0.8 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted parameter, aka Bug ID CSCux82583.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2022
The CVE-2016-1396 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Cisco's small business wireless routers and security appliances. This vulnerability specifically targets the web-based management interfaces of RV110W, RV130W, and RV215W device models, which are commonly deployed in enterprise and small office environments for network security and routing functions. The flaw exists in firmware versions prior to the specified patches, making a substantial number of devices potentially vulnerable to remote exploitation. The vulnerability has been catalogued under the Cisco Bug ID CSCux82583, indicating its classification within Cisco's internal tracking systems for security issues.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the web management interface of affected Cisco devices. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious parameters and injecting arbitrary web scripts or HTML code through the vulnerable interface. This injection occurs when the device fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in web responses. The flaw essentially allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute malicious code within the context of a victim's browser session, bypassing normal security boundaries that protect against such attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the web server component that handles management interface requests.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1396 extends beyond simple script injection, creating a significant attack surface for sophisticated cyber threats. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially redirect users to malicious websites, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, or even install malware on devices. The affected devices serve as network gateways and security appliances, meaning their compromise could provide attackers with access to internal network resources, potentially enabling further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of input validation and sanitization that forms a fundamental pillar of secure web application development. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the device's management interface over the network.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to the patched firmware versions mentioned in the CVE description. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing network segmentation to limit access to device management interfaces, restricting administrative access to trusted IP addresses, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications, and represents a clear violation of security best practices outlined in frameworks like NIST SP 800-53. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application attack technique, specifically related to command injection and code execution within web interfaces, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection against similar vulnerabilities while awaiting full firmware upgrades.