CVE-2021-1198 : Security Advisory and Response

Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause an affected device to restart unexpectedly. The vulnerabilities are due to improper validation of user-supplied input in the web-based management interface.

Understanding CVE-2021-1198

This CVE impacts Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers, potentially enabling remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or trigger denial of service (DoS) by sending crafted HTTP requests to the affected devices.

What is CVE-2021-1198?

The CVE-2021-1198 vulnerability allows attackers to gain root user access on the underlying operating system or cause the device to reload, resulting in a DoS condition. Successful exploitation requires valid administrator credentials on the affected device.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1198

With a base CVSS score of 7.2 (High Severity), the impact of CVE-2021-1198 is significant, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution or service disruption.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1198

The following technical information provides insights into the vulnerability and its implications:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco routers result from insufficient validation of user-supplied input, allowing attackers to send crafted HTTP requests for malicious actions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cisco Small Business RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W Routers are specifically impacted by these vulnerabilities, affecting users of these devices.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-1198 involves sending crafted HTTP requests to affected devices, requiring the attacker to possess valid administrator credentials for successful execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2021-1198 involves immediate steps and long-term security best practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators should monitor Cisco's security advisories for software updates addressing these vulnerabilities.
Implement strict access controls and limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update router firmware and enable automatic updates to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Given that Cisco has not released software updates to mitigate CVE-2021-1198, users are advised to apply patches promptly upon availability to secure their devices.