A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV320 and RV325 Dual Gigabit WAN VPN Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with administrative privileges on an affected device to execute arbitrary commands. The vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious HTTP POST requests to the web-based management interface of an affected device.
A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying Linux shell as root. Cisco has released firmware updates that address this vulnerability. The CVSS score of 7.2 indicates a high severity level, highlighting the urgency for organizations to address this issue.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to critical systems, data exfiltration, and further exploitation within the network. With known exploits available in the wild, the urgency is critical. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
This vulnerability illustrates the importance of rigorous input validation in web applications to prevent command injection vulnerabilities. Organizations must implement strong security measures to defend against such vulnerabilities.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to send crafted HTTP POST requests to the web-based management interface, leading to command execution. The affected products include Cisco Small Business RV320 and RV325 routers, specifically the firmware versions between 1.4.2.15 and 1.4.2.22. This vulnerability has been classified under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')).
The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.2 indicates a high severity level, with a network attack vector and low attack complexity, requiring high privileges and no user interaction. The vulnerability was published on January 24, 2019.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of user input, allowing attackers to inject commands into the command execution flow. The attack vector is network-based, meaning it can be exploited remotely. The attack complexity is low, as it requires only administrative access to the device.
Privileges required for exploitation are high, meaning the attacker must have administrative access, which typically limits the exposure. However, if an attacker gains access, the potential impacts are significant, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing Cisco Small Business RV320 and RV325 routers face substantial risks associated with this vulnerability. Given the high CVSS score, the potential for unauthorized command execution poses a severe threat to their network infrastructure.
The blast radius includes all devices running the vulnerable firmware, leading to possible data breaches, service disruptions, and the ability for attackers to pivot to other systems within the network. Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize it in their risk management strategies.
The urgency is critical; organizations should patch their devices immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation, especially given the presence of known exploits and the high likelihood of targeted attacks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions for this vulnerability include the Cisco RV320 firmware from version 1.4.2.15 to 1.4.2.22 and the Cisco RV325 firmware within the same version range. Organizations should ensure they have updated their devices to the latest firmware to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must apply the latest firmware updates provided by Cisco to remediate this vulnerability. The updates can be obtained from the Cisco security advisory page. If immediate updating is not feasible, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and restricting access to the web-based management interface to trusted users only.
For continuous protection, organizations are encouraged to engage in regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. For more information on security assessments, organizations can refer to penetration testing services tailored to their needs.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual HTTP POST requests directed at the web-based management interface. Additionally, tracking behavioral anomalies and network signatures associated with unauthorized command executions can provide early warnings of exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices, particularly regarding input validation. The significant risk associated with command injection vulnerabilities highlights the need for robust security measures in web applications.
Organizations should adopt a proactive security posture, implementing regular security assessments and maintaining awareness of emerging threats. For further insights on security best practices, refer to the vulnerability management program and the importance of continuous monitoring.
Additionally, organizations should consider leveraging advanced security services such as red teaming to simulate potential attack scenarios and strengthen their security posture.
In conclusion, addressing this vulnerability effectively involves not only immediate patching but also the implementation of comprehensive security strategies to mitigate future risks.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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