CVE-2021-1296 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Cisco Small Business RV160, RV160W, RV260, RV260P, and RV260W VPN Routers are affected by multiple vulnerabilities in their web-based management interface, potentially allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to conduct directory traversal attacks and overwrite restricted files. These vulnerabilities stem from insufficient input validation, enabling attackers to manipulate the file system of the affected device.

Understanding CVE-2021-1296

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-1296 vulnerability affecting Cisco Small Business RV Series Router Firmware.

What is CVE-2021-1296?

The CVE-2021-1296 vulnerability pertains to a flaw in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV160, RV160W, RV260, RV260P, and RV260W VPN Routers. This vulnerability could be exploited by remote attackers to overwrite certain files on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1296

With a base severity rating of 7.5, this high-impact vulnerability could allow attackers to compromise the integrity of the device by overwriting files, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1296

In this section, we outline the technical aspects of CVE-2021-1296 to provide a comprehensive understanding of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation in the web-based management interface, enabling attackers to upload files to unauthorized locations on the device and overwrite critical files.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected products include Cisco Small Business RV160, RV160W, RV260, RV260P, and RV260W VPN Routers running the vulnerable firmware.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the web-based management interface to upload files to locations on the affected device that are typically restricted, thereby overwriting files on the device's file system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the CVE-2021-1296 vulnerability, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update the firmware of the affected devices to the latest patched versions provided by Cisco. Additionally, restricting network access to the management interface can help mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong access controls, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about security advisories are essential long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates and promptly applying patches released by Cisco is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the affected devices.