CVE-2021-1295 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-2021-1295 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco Small Business VPN router models including 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 code execution attacks. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the device's web interface through carefully crafted HTTP requests, potentially gaining complete administrative control over the affected hardware. The impact is particularly severe given that these devices are commonly deployed in small business environments where network security may be less robust than in enterprise settings.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of HTTP request validation mechanisms within the router's web interface. When the system receives HTTP requests, it fails to adequately sanitize or validate input parameters, allowing malicious payloads to bypass normal security checks. This weakness enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the root user, effectively providing complete control over the device's operations. The vulnerability exists specifically within the web management interface, making it accessible via standard web protocols without requiring authentication credentials. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of a command injection vulnerability that has been exploited in numerous network device attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected devices. Once exploited, an attacker can modify network configurations, intercept traffic, establish backdoors, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The affected routers serve as critical network infrastructure components, and their compromise could lead to significant data breaches, network disruption, or the establishment of persistent access points for advanced persistent threats. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices or network proximity, making the attack surface much larger and more concerning for network administrators.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-1295 should prioritize immediate patching of affected devices through Cisco's official security advisories. Organizations should disable unnecessary web management interfaces and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns and establish network access controls to restrict access to administrative interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all input within web applications and highlights the need for robust security practices in network infrastructure devices. This case study reinforces ATT&CK techniques related to remote code execution and privilege escalation, emphasizing the critical need for proper input validation and authentication mechanisms in all network services.