CVE-2016-1429 in RV180
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the web interface on Cisco RV180 and RV180W devices allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCuz43023.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1429 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Cisco RV180 and RV180W wireless VPN routers. This security weakness resides within the web interface component of these networking devices, creating a significant attack surface that enables remote exploitation without authentication. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data in HTTP requests, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file path references and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability operates through crafted HTTP requests that exploit improper parameter handling in the web server component of the affected routers. When users submit requests containing specially formatted directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the device fails to validate these inputs adequately, permitting the web interface to process these malicious paths. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the device's file system, potentially exposing configuration files, user credentials, and other sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1429 extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing threat actors to modify device configurations, install malicious firmware, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects Cisco RV180 and RV180W models, which are commonly deployed in small to medium business environments, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to gain access to corporate networks. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter, eliminating the need for physical access or internal network presence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from Cisco, specifically addressing the directory traversal flaw in the web interface component. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while also monitoring for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and control using application layer protocols, and T1566, which encompasses credential harvesting through various attack vectors. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and network intrusion detection systems to identify and block malicious directory traversal attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure proper patch management and maintain defense in depth principles across all network infrastructure components.