CVE-2020-3451 in RV340
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV340 Series Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with administrative credentials to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system (OS) as a restricted user. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2020
The Cisco Small Business RV340 Series Routers present a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-3451 that exploits weaknesses in their web-based management interface. This vulnerability represents a command injection flaw that enables authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary code on the router's operating system. The flaw resides within the router's handling of input parameters in the web interface, creating a pathway for malicious command execution that operates under restricted user privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple models within the RV340 series, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these devices in small business environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, which categorize it as a command injection and code execution flaw respectively. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can leverage the authenticated administrative access to craft malicious payloads that bypass normal security controls. The restricted user context indicates that while the execution occurs with elevated privileges, the attacker cannot directly access the full administrative shell. This vulnerability operates through the web management interface, making it accessible over standard HTTP/HTTPS protocols and potentially exploitable through various attack vectors including web application attacks and session manipulation techniques. The underlying operating system is exposed to these commands through improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-3451 extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify network configurations, and potentially use the compromised router as a pivot point for attacks on other network segments. Small business environments are particularly vulnerable since these devices often lack dedicated security monitoring and may not receive timely updates. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the network infrastructure, and the authenticated requirement reduces the attack surface but still presents a significant risk when administrative credentials are compromised through phishing, credential reuse, or other means. Network administrators face the challenge of maintaining security posture across numerous devices with potentially outdated firmware versions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest firmware updates from Cisco, which address the command injection vulnerabilities through proper input validation and sanitization. Network segmentation should be employed to limit the potential impact of compromise, and administrative credentials should be protected through strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication. Regular network monitoring and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining vulnerable devices, while access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are maintained. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, and T1566 for credential harvesting, highlighting the multi-stage attack potential. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and network intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.