CVE-2022-20923 in Small Business RV110W
Summary
by MITRE • 09/08/2022
A vulnerability in the IPSec VPN Server authentication functionality of Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication controls and access the IPSec VPN network. This vulnerability is due to the improper implementation of the password validation algorithm. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by logging in to the VPN from an affected device with crafted credentials. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass authentication and access the IPSec VPN network. The attacker may obtain privileges that are the same level as an administrative user, depending on the crafted credentials that are used. Cisco has not released software updates that address this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2022
This vulnerability exists within the IPSec VPN Server authentication mechanism of several Cisco Small Business routers including the RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W models. The flaw stems from an inadequate password validation algorithm implementation that creates a pathway for unauthorized access to the IPSec VPN network. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the authentication process that allows remote attackers to bypass normal security controls without requiring valid credentials. Attackers can exploit this by initiating a VPN connection to an affected device using specially crafted authentication credentials that manipulate the flawed validation logic.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the password validation algorithm during the IPSec VPN authentication process. The improper implementation creates a condition where crafted credentials can successfully pass through the authentication checks that should normally reject invalid login attempts. This weakness enables attackers to establish VPN connections with elevated privileges, potentially reaching administrative levels depending on the specific credentials used in the attack. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication subsystem rather than other network protocols or services, making it particularly dangerous for remote access scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with unauthorized network access to corporate or personal networks protected by these routers. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive network resources, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network. The ability to achieve administrative privileges through this method means that attackers can modify router configurations, access network traffic, and potentially establish persistent access points. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the devices or local network presence to exploit the vulnerability.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials for unauthorized access. Organizations using these affected Cisco router models face significant risk without mitigation, as the vulnerability exists in the core authentication functionality of the IPSec VPN service. The lack of official software updates from Cisco for this specific vulnerability means that affected organizations must rely on alternative mitigation strategies including network segmentation, monitoring for unauthorized VPN connections, and implementing additional access controls. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust authentication implementation and the potential consequences of inadequate password validation mechanisms in network security infrastructure.