CVE-2021-1174 in Small Business
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-2021-1174 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 are commonly deployed in small office and home office environments where they serve as primary network gateways, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking persistent access to network infrastructures. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web interface, creating a pathway for authenticated remote code execution that could compromise the entire network infrastructure. This weakness directly violates security principles established in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation as a fundamental software security flaw.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid administrator credentials, which significantly reduces the attack surface compared to unauthenticated exploits but still represents a serious risk given that administrative credentials are often compromised through various means including credential stuffing, phishing attacks, or weak password policies. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the underlying operating system, effectively granting them complete control over the device and potentially the entire network segment it serves. This execution path follows the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, enabling adversaries to establish persistent access and conduct further network reconnaissance. The ability to cause unexpected device restarts also provides a denial of service capability that can be used to disrupt network operations or as part of a broader attack strategy.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1174 extends beyond immediate device compromise to encompass significant business continuity risks, particularly for organizations that rely on these routers for critical network operations. Network administrators may experience unauthorized access to sensitive network configurations, potential data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors that could remain undetected for extended periods. The vulnerability affects devices that are typically deployed in environments with limited security monitoring capabilities, making detection of exploitation particularly challenging. Organizations using these devices face potential regulatory compliance violations, especially in industries with strict cybersecurity requirements such as healthcare, finance, or government sectors. The lack of official software updates from Cisco for this vulnerability leaves affected organizations with limited remediation options, forcing them to rely on network segmentation, credential hardening, and other defensive measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing multiple layers of defense given the absence of official patches. Network segmentation through firewall rules can limit access to the affected web interfaces, while strict access control policies should enforce the principle of least privilege for administrative access. Strong authentication measures including multi-factor authentication, regular credential rotation, and enforcement of complex password policies can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions capable of detecting unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts to the affected devices. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other network equipment. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security awareness and implementing robust vulnerability management processes that can quickly respond to emerging threats in network infrastructure devices.