CVE-2021-1289 in RV160
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2021
Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV160, RV160W, RV260, RV260P, and RV260W VPN Routers could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code as the root user on an affected device. These vulnerabilities exist because HTTP requests are not properly validated. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a crafted HTTP request to the web-based management interface of an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to remotely execute arbitrary code on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1289 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Cisco Small Business VPN routers including models RV160, RV160W, RV260, RV260P, and RV260W. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of these network devices, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these appliances for their networking infrastructure. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of HTTP requests, which allows attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the affected devices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software design. The lack of proper HTTP request validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the web interface through crafted requests that can trigger unintended behavior within the router's operating system. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web management interface, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication to exploit. The attack vector is remote and can be executed from any location with network access to the affected devices, eliminating the need for physical presence or network insider knowledge.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation grants attackers complete control over the affected router. This includes the ability to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, establish backdoors, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The root-level execution capability means that attackers can manipulate core system functions, disable security features, and install malicious software that persists across reboots. Organizations using these routers face significant risk of network infiltration, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of critical business operations, as these devices often serve as gateways between internal networks and external connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-1289 should prioritize immediate patching of affected devices through Cisco's security advisories and firmware updates. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical systems and restrict access to the web management interface through firewall rules and access control lists. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious HTTP requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1059.007 for remote code execution and potentially T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage, emphasizing the need for comprehensive network monitoring and incident response procedures. Organizations should also conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and establish regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other network infrastructure components.