CVE-2016-1430 in RV180
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco RV180 and RV180W devices allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands as root via a crafted HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCuz48592.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1430 affects Cisco RV180 and RV180W wireless broadband routers, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that enables authenticated attackers to gain root-level privileges on affected devices. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of these networking appliances, specifically in how they process HTTP requests containing malicious payloads. The flaw allows an attacker who has already established legitimate authentication credentials to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary commands with the highest level of system access, effectively compromising the entire device and potentially the network it protects. The vulnerability was tracked under Cisco Bug ID CSCuz48592, highlighting its significance within the vendor's internal tracking systems.
Technical analysis reveals that the vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web interface processing logic of these routers. When processing crafted HTTP requests, the device fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters, leading to command injection flaws in the underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution, and CWE-20, which covers improper input validation. The flaw exists in the authentication flow where legitimate users can be tricked or exploited to send malicious requests that bypass normal security controls, creating a path for privilege escalation from authenticated user level to root access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly for organizations relying on these devices for network security. Once exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the router's functionality, potentially enabling them to modify routing tables, intercept network traffic, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects both the RV180 and RV180W models, which are commonly deployed in small to medium business environments, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to establish footholds within corporate networks. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from outside the network perimeter, while the authenticated requirement does not necessarily prevent exploitation since attackers can often obtain legitimate credentials through social engineering, credential reuse, or other means. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1068, which involves exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1430 should include immediate deployment of Cisco's official security patches and firmware updates, which address the command injection vulnerability in the web interface. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit the exposure of these devices, disable unnecessary services, and enforce strict access controls for router management interfaces. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and regularly auditing user access logs can help identify unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying network intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious HTTP requests targeting known vulnerabilities in router firmware, as well as maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures that account for potential compromise of network infrastructure devices.