CVE-2021-1186 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause an affected device to restart unexpectedly. This article provides insights into the impact, technical details, mitigation strategies, and more related to CVE-2021-1186.

Understanding CVE-2021-1186

Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers are vulnerable to remote command execution and denial of service attacks due to issues in their web-based management interface.

What is CVE-2021-1186?

CVE-2021-1186 highlights multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers that could be exploited by an authenticated, remote attacker to execute malicious code or disrupt the normal functioning of the device.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1186

The vulnerabilities in the routers' management interface could lead to unauthorized code execution or device restart, potentially causing a denial of service (DoS) situation. Attackers with valid administrator credentials could exploit these flaws.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1186

The following sections delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities result from inadequate validation of user input in the web-based management interface, enabling attackers to send crafted HTTP requests and potentially execute arbitrary code or trigger device reloads.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers are impacted by these vulnerabilities in their firmware.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with valid administrator credentials can exploit these vulnerabilities by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the affected devices, thereby gaining root access to execute arbitrary code or disrupt device operations.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2021-1186, immediate steps, as well as long-term security practices, and patching guidelines are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that strong network access controls are in place to limit exposure, regularly monitor for unusual activities, and restrict access to vulnerable devices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation, regularly update device firmware, conduct security assessments, and educate users on safe online practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and promptly apply any patches or updates released to address the vulnerabilities identified in CVE-2021-1186.