CVE-2021-1216 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the details of CVE-2021-1216 affecting Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, and RV215W Routers. Learn about the impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies for this security vulnerability.
Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers are affected by multiple vulnerabilities in their web-based management interface that could potentially allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or disrupt device operations.
Understanding CVE-2021-1216
This CVE identifies the remote command execution and denial of service vulnerabilities in Cisco Small Business RV Series Router Firmware.
What is CVE-2021-1216?
The vulnerability in CVE-2021-1216 stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied input within the web-based management interface of the routers. This flaw allows an authenticated remote attacker to manipulate HTTP requests, leading to arbitrary code execution or causing the device to reload unexpectedly.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1216
The severity of this CVE is rated as high, with a CVSS base score of 7.2. If exploited successfully, the attacker could gain root access to the underlying operating system, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1216
The technical details of CVE-2021-1216 shed light on the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows for the execution of arbitrary code or device restart through the web-based management interface due to improper user input validation.
Affected Systems and Versions
Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker with valid administrator credentials can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to the targeted devices.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-1216, immediate action and long-term security measures are crucial to safeguard the impacted systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
As Cisco has not yet released software updates, administrators are advised to monitor network traffic for any signs of malicious activity and restrict access to the routers.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing network segmentation, keeping systems up to date, and employing strong access controls are essential for long-term security against potential threats.
Patching and Updates
Administrators should apply relevant patches promptly once Cisco releases them to mitigate the vulnerabilities effectively.