CVE-2021-1181 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-1181, a critical vulnerability in Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers, enabling remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. Understand the impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation strategies.
Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-1181 and its implications.
Understanding CVE-2021-1181
This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-1181 vulnerability affecting Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers.
What is CVE-2021-1181?
The CVE-2021-1181 vulnerability pertains to multiple flaws in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by an authenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause the device to restart unexpectedly.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1181
The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it allows attackers to potentially gain root access on the underlying operating system or disrupt the services by causing a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1181
This section outlines the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-1181 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerabilities result from improper validation of user input in the router's web-based management interface, enabling attackers to send crafted HTTP requests to execute malicious code or trigger a device reload.
Affected Systems and Versions
The affected products include Cisco Small Business RV Series Router Firmware with no specific version mentioned, raising concerns for all versions within the range.
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit these vulnerabilities, an attacker needs valid administrator credentials on the targeted device, emphasizing the importance of secure credential management.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section offers insights into addressing and preventing CVE-2021-1181 vulnerabilities.
Immediate Steps to Take
Until Cisco releases software updates, users are advised to maintain strict access controls, monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity, and restrict access to the affected devices.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing regular security audits, keeping systems up to date with patches, and educating users on security best practices can enhance the overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
It is crucial for Cisco users to stay informed about software updates and patches released by the vendor to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-1181.