Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers Management Interface Remote Command Execution and Denial of Service Vulnerabilities

Vulnerability

The vulnerabilities exist in the web-based management interface of multiple Cisco Small Business RV series routers, including models RV016, RV042, RV042G, RV082, RV320, and RV325. The flaws stem from improper validation of user-supplied input in the web interface, which allows an authenticated, remote attacker with administrator credentials to cause arbitrary code execution or device reload. Affected firmware versions are those prior to the fixed releases indicated in the Cisco advisory [1].

Exploitation

An attacker requires valid administrator credentials for the target device. With those credentials, they can send crafted HTTP requests to the web-based management interface. The improper input validation then triggers either arbitrary code execution or a denial of service condition. No additional user interaction or special network position beyond network access to the management interface is needed [1].

Impact

Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code as the root user on the underlying operating system, achieving full compromise of the device. Alternatively, the attacker can cause the device to reload, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. Both outcomes have high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability [1].

Mitigation

Cisco has released free software updates to address these vulnerabilities. Affected customers should upgrade to the fixed firmware versions specified in the Cisco Security Advisory [1]. No workarounds are mentioned, and the device should not be exposed to untrusted networks. The advisory does not indicate inclusion in the CISA KEV catalog.