CVE-2018-0404 in RV180W
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web framework code for Cisco RV180W Wireless-N Multifunction VPN Router and Small Business RV Series RV220W Wireless Network Security Firewall could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL queries. The attacker could retrieve sensitive information which should be restricted. A vulnerability in the web framework code for Cisco RV180W Wireless-N Multifunction VPN Router and Small Business RV Series RV220W Wireless Network Security Firewall could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL queries. The attacker could retrieve sensitive information which should be restricted. The product has entered the end-of-life phase and there will be no more firmware fixes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the web interface of cisco rv180w and rv220w network devices, classified under cwe-89 sql injection. The vulnerability exists within the web framework code that handles user input processing, specifically in the parameter validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or escape input data before incorporating it into sql queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input parameters that are directly passed to the underlying database engine without proper sanitization, allowing them to manipulate the sql execution flow and inject arbitrary sql commands.
The security implications of this vulnerability are severe as it enables unauthenticated remote code execution through database manipulation. An attacker can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary sql commands against the device's internal database, potentially extracting sensitive information such as user credentials, configuration data, network settings, and other confidential system information. The vulnerability affects the web management interface of these devices, making it accessible over the network without requiring prior authentication, which significantly increases the attack surface and exploitability.
The operational impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential complete system compromise. While the vulnerability is limited to sql injection rather than direct operating system command execution, the ability to query the database can provide attackers with sufficient information to plan further attacks or potentially escalate privileges. The affected devices are part of cisco's small business series, which typically operate in environments where security controls may be less stringent, making these devices particularly attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or move laterally within networks.
Cisco has officially declared these products as end-of-life, meaning no further firmware updates or security patches will be provided for the affected models. This end-of-life status significantly complicates mitigation efforts, as organizations cannot rely on vendor-provided fixes to address the vulnerability. The lack of ongoing support leaves these devices vulnerable to exploitation indefinitely, creating a persistent risk for any network environment where they remain operational.
Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation to isolate these vulnerable devices from critical network segments, particularly limiting access to the web management interface through firewall rules and access control lists. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual sql query patterns or malformed http requests. Device replacement or migration to supported cisco products should be prioritized as a long-term solution, as the end-of-life status means these devices will remain vulnerable to not only this known vulnerability but also any future discovered weaknesses.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in web application development, aligning with attack techniques documented in the mitre attack framework under tactics such as credential access and defense evasion. Organizations should review their inventory for similar end-of-life devices and implement compensating controls including network access restrictions, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure components.