CVE-2021-1327 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 CVE-2021-1327 vulnerability affects Cisco Small Business routers including RV016 RV042 RV042G RV082 RV320 and RV325 models presenting critical security risks through improper input validation in their web-based management interfaces. This vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data within the router's administrative web portal, creating a pathway for authenticated remote code execution and denial of service conditions. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes HTTP requests containing maliciously crafted input parameters that bypass normal validation mechanisms. According to the vulnerability analysis this issue maps directly to CWE-20 Improper Input Validation which is a fundamental weakness in software design where input data is not properly checked before being processed by the application. The security implications are severe as the vulnerability requires only valid administrator credentials to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access might be compromised or where credentials are reused across multiple devices.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2021-1327 involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the affected router's web management interface using valid administrative credentials. When the vulnerable device processes these malformed requests the insufficient input validation allows attacker-controlled data to be interpreted as executable commands within the router's operating system. This results in arbitrary code execution with root privileges on the underlying operating system, effectively giving the attacker complete control over the device. The attack vector operates through the web-based management interface which serves as the primary administrative entry point for router configuration and monitoring. The vulnerability can also be exploited to trigger unexpected device reboots or reloads, causing denial of service conditions that can disrupt network connectivity and compromise business operations. This dual exploitation capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as attackers can either gain persistent access to the device or simply disrupt services to cause operational damage.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1327 extends beyond simple network disruption to include full device compromise and potential lateral movement within networks. Organizations using affected Cisco routers face significant risks including unauthorized access to network infrastructure, data interception, and potential use as a launch point for attacks against other networked systems. The vulnerability affects small business networks where router security might be overlooked in favor of cost considerations, making these devices attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access points within corporate networks. Network administrators may experience unexpected device reboots that can cause service interruptions, while the code execution capability provides attackers with the ability to install backdoors, modify network configurations, or establish command and control channels. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only valid administrative credentials which suggests that credential theft or insider threats could easily lead to successful exploitation, making it particularly concerning for organizations with weak credential management practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-1327 should focus on immediate patching of affected devices with Cisco's security updates and firmware releases addressing this vulnerability. Organizations must ensure that all affected routers receive the latest security patches as soon as they become available from Cisco. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation by isolating critical network segments from less secure areas. Strong authentication practices including multi-factor authentication and regular credential rotation should be enforced for administrative access to router interfaces. Network monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns or device reboots that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's mapping to CWE-20 and its potential for exploitation through the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and command and control techniques emphasizes the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching. Additionally organizations should consider implementing network access controls to restrict direct administrative access to router interfaces from external networks and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to administrative credentials. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any other potentially vulnerable devices within the network infrastructure.