CVE-2021-1472 in Small Business RV Series Router
Summary
by MITRE • 04/08/2021
Multiple vulnerabilities exist in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers. A remote attacker could execute arbitrary commands or bypass authentication and upload files on an affected device. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers present a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2021-1472 within their web-based management interface. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms that allow remote attackers to exploit multiple attack vectors. The affected devices operate with web management interfaces that fail to properly sanitize user inputs, creating pathways for command injection attacks. These routers are commonly deployed in small business environments where network security is often less stringent than enterprise-level deployments, making them particularly attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking unauthorized access to corporate networks.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate validation of parameters passed to the router's web interface, enabling attackers to inject malicious commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process. This command execution capability allows threat actors to gain full control over the affected device, potentially leading to complete network compromise. Additionally, the vulnerability permits authentication bypass attempts that could enable unauthorized access to router configuration settings. The flaw exists in the router's handling of HTTP requests and parameter processing within the web management interface, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate session tokens and bypass authentication mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-77 and CWE-287, representing command injection and improper authentication respectively, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses that significantly impact system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1472 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete network compromise and potential data exfiltration. Once attackers gain control of the router, they can manipulate network traffic routing, redirect DNS requests to malicious servers, or establish persistent backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network presence in the local network to launch attacks. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential harvesting, as attackers can leverage the compromised device to move laterally within the network. Small business networks that rely on these routers for internet connectivity become vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, where attackers can intercept and modify network communications, potentially compromising sensitive business data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-1472 should include immediate implementation of network segmentation to isolate critical systems from potentially compromised routers, along with deployment of network monitoring tools to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should disable unnecessary web management interfaces and implement strict access controls for remaining administrative interfaces. Network administrators must apply vendor-provided security patches promptly and consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and network audits, particularly for devices in small business environments where security updates may be delayed or ignored. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures and multi-factor authentication for administrative access to prevent unauthorized access even if one authentication factor is compromised. According to NIST SP 800-53 security controls, this vulnerability requires implementation of access control measures and continuous monitoring to prevent unauthorized access and maintain system integrity.