CVE-2021-1291 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-2021-1291 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Cisco Small Business VPN routers including models RV160, RV160W, RV260, RV260P, and RV260W. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of HTTP requests within the web-based management interface, creating a pathway for unauthenticated remote attackers to gain root-level access to affected devices. The flaw exists in the router's web interface processing logic where incoming HTTP requests are not adequately sanitized or validated before being processed, allowing malicious input to bypass normal security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters sent to the affected router's web management interface. When an attacker crafts a specifically designed HTTP request, the vulnerable router fails to properly validate the input, enabling the execution of arbitrary code with root privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental weakness that allows malicious input to be processed without adequate sanitization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication credentials, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the router's web interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1291 is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected routers. This root-level access enables attackers to modify router configurations, establish persistent backdoors, redirect network traffic, or use the compromised devices as launching points for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability creates a significant risk for small business networks that rely on these routers for internet connectivity and security, as the compromised devices can serve as entry points for lateral movement and data exfiltration. Organizations using these devices face potential exposure to man-in-the-middle attacks, network disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest firmware updates from Cisco, which address the input validation issues in the web interface. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services, as attackers can leverage the compromised routers for remote access and command execution. Organizations should also consider disabling the web management interface when not actively needed and restrict access to these interfaces through network access control lists. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in web applications and demonstrates how insufficient sanitization can lead to complete system compromise.