CVE-2021-1204 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers are vulnerable to remote command execution and denial of service attacks due to multiple flaws in their web-based management interface.

Understanding CVE-2021-1204

This CVE exposes a critical vulnerability in Cisco Small Business RV Series Router Firmware, allowing remote attackers with valid administrator credentials to execute arbitrary code or disrupt device function.

What is CVE-2021-1204?

Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers enable attackers to send crafted HTTP requests, leading to unauthorized code execution or device restarts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1204

With a CVSS base score of 7.2 (High Severity), the vulnerabilities pose a significant threat to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. An attacker can achieve root access or cause denial of service without user interaction.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1204

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE to provide a comprehensive understanding of the exploitable vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities stem from inadequate validation of user input, allowing attackers to exploit the web-based management interface to execute arbitrary code as root or trigger device reloads.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers are all affected by these critical vulnerabilities, putting any device using the vulnerable firmware version at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit these flaws by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the affected devices. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized code execution or device restarts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect your system from CVE-2021-1204, it is crucial to implement immediate steps and incorporate long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

As Cisco has not released software updates yet, restricting network access to the router’s management interface and monitoring for unusual activity are crucial measures to mitigate potential risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitoring security advisories, restricting administrative capabilities, and investing in security solutions can help prevent and mitigate potential security incidents.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about Cisco's security updates and apply patches promptly once they are released to address the identified vulnerabilities.