CVE-2022-20878 : Security Advisory and Response

Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2022-20878

This CVE identifies multiple vulnerabilities in the Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers that could lead to remote command execution and denial of service.

What is CVE-2022-20878?

The vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause the device to restart unexpectedly, resulting in a denial of service condition.

The Impact of CVE-2022-20878

These vulnerabilities could enable an attacker with valid Administrator credentials to execute commands with root-level privileges or disrupt device operations by causing unexpected restarts.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-20878

The vulnerability arises due to insufficient validation of user fields within incoming HTTP packets.

Vulnerability Description

The flaws in the router's web-based interface could be exploited by sending a crafted request, allowing attackers to execute commands or disrupt device operations.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers with outdated firmware versions are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker would need valid Administrator credentials to exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a crafted request to the affected device's web-based management interface, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution or unexpected device restarts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-20878, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Restrict network access to the routers' management interface.
Monitor for any suspicious activities on the network.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update router firmware to the latest version provided by Cisco.
Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.

Patching and Updates

Cisco has acknowledged these vulnerabilities but has not released software updates to address them.