CVE-2021-1323 in RV016
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2021
Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV016, RV042, RV042G, RV082, RV320, and RV325 Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause an affected device to restart unexpectedly. These 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1323 represents a critical security flaw affecting Cisco Small Business routers including models RV016, RV042, RV042G, RV082, RV320, and RV325. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of these networking devices, creating a pathway for authenticated remote attackers to compromise the underlying operating system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing, creating an environment where malicious inputs can be executed as commands. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-20, which specifically addresses "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental weakness in software security design that enables various attack vectors including command injection and code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid administrator credentials for the affected device, establishing a privileged access requirement that limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting specifically formatted HTTP requests that bypass the input validation checks, ultimately allowing execution of arbitrary code with root privileges on the device's operating system. This elevation of privileges enables attackers to gain complete control over the router's functionality, potentially leading to data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond code execution to include denial of service conditions, as successful exploitation can trigger unexpected device restarts that disrupt network connectivity for legitimate users.
From an operational perspective, the implications of CVE-2021-1323 are severe for organizations relying on these Cisco router models for network infrastructure. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk for network compromise, as the affected devices typically operate in environments where they are accessible via the internet or internal networks, providing multiple potential attack vectors. The combination of remote code execution capabilities and denial of service potential means that organizations could face both active exploitation and disruption of their network services. Security teams must consider the attack surface presented by these devices, particularly in environments where they serve as network gateways or provide critical connectivity services to business operations.
The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability align with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and broader command execution categories, as the exploitation involves arbitrary code execution. Organizations should implement layered security controls including network segmentation to isolate these devices, regular credential rotation, and monitoring for unusual HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top 10 security principles, specifically addressing the need for robust sanitization of user inputs to prevent injection attacks. Immediate remediation efforts should include applying Cisco's security patches and updates, implementing network access controls to limit exposure, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous network behavior or system logs.