CVE-2023-20128 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE pertains to multiple vulnerabilities found in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV320 and RV325 Dual Gigabit WAN VPN Routers, allowing an authenticated remote attacker to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system of an affected device.

Understanding CVE-2023-20128

This section delves into the details, impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2023-20128.

What is CVE-2023-20128?

The CVE-2023-20128 vulnerability involves insufficient validation of user-supplied input, creating a loophole for attackers to send malicious input to affected devices. This could enable the attacker to execute arbitrary commands as the root user on the Linux operating system of the device, provided they have valid Administrator credentials.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20128

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, with a CVSSv3 base score of 7.2 (HIGH). It poses a threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected devices, making it crucial to address promptly.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20128

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper validation of user input in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV320 and RV325 Dual Gigabit WAN VPN Routers, allowing for command injection by authenticated remote attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the Cisco Small Business RV Series Router Firmware. The specific affected versions are marked as "n/a."

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an authenticated attacker needs to send malicious input to the targeted device via the web-based management interface, leveraging the insufficient validation to execute arbitrary commands as the root user.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides essential steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-20128 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement strict access controls and limit user privileges on the affected devices.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts.
Consider temporarily discontinuing the use of the affected devices until a patch is available.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and apply security patches provided by the vendor.
Conduct periodic security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users and administrators about secure configuration practices and the importance of strong passwords.

Patching and Updates

As of the latest information, Cisco has not yet released software updates to address the vulnerabilities associated with CVE-2023-20128. Keep a close eye on Cisco's security advisories for any forthcoming patches or mitigations.