CVE-2021-1324 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers Management Interface Remote Command Execution and Denial of Service Vulnerabilities were disclosed on February 3, 2021. These vulnerabilities could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a device to restart unexpectedly.

Understanding CVE-2021-1324

This CVE refers to multiple vulnerabilities found in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers.

What is CVE-2021-1324?

The vulnerabilities identified in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers could permit a remote attacker with authenticated access to execute arbitrary code or disrupt the device's operation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1324

An attacker exploiting these vulnerabilities could potentially gain root access to the operating system, leading to arbitrary code execution or causing device reloads, resulting in denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1324

The CVSS v3.1 score for these vulnerabilities is 7.2 out of 10, indicating a high severity level. The attack complexity is low, but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. The attacker would require high privileges to exploit the vulnerabilities remotely via network access.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities stem from improper validation of user input in the web-based management interface of the affected routers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected products include Cisco Small Business RV016, RV042, RV042G, RV082, RV320, and RV325 Routers with unspecified versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending crafted HTTP requests to the targeted device, an attacker with valid administrator credentials can exploit these vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code or trigger device reloads.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against these vulnerabilities, immediate action and long-term security measures are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators should apply patches or updates provided by Cisco to mitigate these vulnerabilities. Limiting network access to the management interface can also reduce the attack surface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and monitor the router firmware, implement strong password policies, and restrict access to the web-based management interface to trusted sources.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and promptly apply patches and updates as they become available.