CVE-2021-1172 in Operating System
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2021
Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause an affected device to restart unexpectedly. The vulnerabilities are due to improper validation of user-supplied input in the web-based management interface. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending crafted HTTP requests to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code as the root user on the underlying operating system or cause the device to reload, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. To exploit these vulnerabilities, an attacker would need to have valid administrator credentials on the affected device. Cisco has not released software updates that address these vulnerabilities.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2021
The CVE-2021-1172 vulnerability affects Cisco Small Business routers including RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W models, representing a critical security flaw in their web-based management interfaces. These devices operate as essential network infrastructure components serving small business environments, making them attractive targets for cyber adversaries seeking persistent network access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web interface, creating pathways for malicious actors to manipulate system operations through crafted HTTP requests. This issue particularly impacts devices running older firmware versions where security patches have not been applied, leaving organizations exposed to sophisticated attack vectors that could compromise entire network infrastructures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper validation of user-supplied input, a common weakness categorized under CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation. Attackers with valid administrator credentials can leverage this flaw by submitting specially crafted HTTP requests that bypass normal input sanitization processes. The vulnerability enables privilege escalation to root level execution, allowing attackers to gain complete control over the underlying operating system. This represents a severe security breach since the web interface typically serves as the primary administrative entry point for network configuration and monitoring activities. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that many small business environments lack robust network segmentation, potentially allowing lateral movement once initial compromise occurs.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1172 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to include denial of service conditions that can disrupt business operations. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can cause unexpected device reboots, leading to network outages that affect productivity and customer access. This dual nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous as attackers could simultaneously execute malicious code and cause service disruption, complicating incident response efforts. The DoS component of the vulnerability can be used for persistent disruption attacks, while the code execution capability enables long-term persistence within the network environment. Organizations utilizing these routers may experience extended downtime, data exposure, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the unauthorized access and control these vulnerabilities provide.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-1172 require immediate attention from network administrators who must first verify their device firmware versions and confirm whether the specific vulnerabilities are present. The most effective approach involves implementing network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical business systems and applying the latest firmware updates from Cisco as soon as they become available. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict access controls including multi-factor authentication and regular credential rotation to limit the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers may use the compromised devices to execute malicious commands and scripts. Given that these routers typically operate in environments with limited security monitoring, implementing network intrusion detection systems and regular vulnerability assessments becomes crucial for maintaining security posture. Organizations should also consider replacing affected devices with newer models that have received appropriate security updates and support.