CVE-2021-1189 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Cisco Small Business RV Series Router Firmware is affected by multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface. An authenticated remote attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code or trigger device restarts.

Understanding CVE-2021-1189

This CVE pertains to a security flaw in the management interface of Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers. The vulnerabilities can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service.

What is CVE-2021-1189?

The CVE-2021-1189 vulnerability allows an authenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or force affected devices to restart. Improper validation of user input in the web-based management interface creates the exploit opportunity.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1189

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, with a CVSS base score of 7.2 (High). It can lead to unauthorized code execution or denial of service, affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1189

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied input in the web-based management interface. Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending crafted HTTP requests, enabling them to execute code or trigger device restarts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers are affected by this vulnerability. All versions of the firmware are susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-1189, an attacker requires valid administrator credentials on the targeted device. By sending malicious HTTP requests, the attacker can execute arbitrary code under the root user's privileges or cause the device to reload.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here, we discuss immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-1189.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address this vulnerability, organizations should restrict access to the web-based management interface and monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities. Cisco's existing security measures can also provide temporary mitigation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, it is crucial to regularly update firmware, enforce strong password policies, and conduct security awareness training for employees to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

While Cisco has not yet released software updates specifically addressing this vulnerability, users are advised to stay informed about security advisories from the vendor and apply patches promptly once available.