CVE-2016-1397 in RV110W
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow 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 authenticated users to cause a denial of service (device reload) via crafted configuration commands in an HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCux82523.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-1397 represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting Cisco's small business networking equipment, specifically targeting the web-based management interfaces of RV110W, RV130W, and RV215W devices. This flaw exists within the firmware implementations of these routers and is categorized under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability affects devices running firmware versions prior to 1.2.1.7 for RV110W, 1.0.3.16 for RV130W, and 1.3.0.8 for RV215W, creating a widespread impact across multiple device models within Cisco's small office and home office networking portfolio.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the processing of HTTP requests containing crafted configuration commands within the web management interface. When authenticated users send specially crafted HTTP requests with oversized data payloads, the device's web server fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size buffers. This condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, ultimately causing the device to crash and reload its operating system. The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that only users with valid credentials can exploit this vulnerability, though the impact remains severe as it results in complete service disruption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant denial of service risk for organizations relying on these networking devices for their business operations. The device reload caused by the buffer overflow effectively removes network connectivity for the duration of the restart process, potentially disrupting business operations, network monitoring, and communication services. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of firmware security updates and proper input validation in embedded network devices. Organizations using these affected devices face the risk of repeated service interruptions if they fail to apply the necessary firmware patches, as the vulnerability can be exploited multiple times to maintain persistent disruption.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category for network denial of service attacks. This attack pattern involves using vulnerabilities to cause service disruption, which can be particularly damaging in business environments where network availability is critical. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to the latest versions, network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, and monitoring for unusual HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and network access control lists can help limit the impact of potential exploitation by restricting which users can access the vulnerable web management interface.
Cisco has addressed this vulnerability through firmware updates that include proper input validation and buffer size checks within the web management interface components. The recommended remediation involves upgrading all affected devices to the patched firmware versions, which are available through Cisco's official support channels and include enhanced security measures to prevent the buffer overflow conditions that lead to device reloads. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on potentially malicious HTTP requests targeting web management interfaces, providing an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts.