CVE-2022-20708
About
Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco Small Business RV160, RV260, RV340, and RV345 Series Routers could allow an attacker to do any of the following: Execute arbitrary code Elevate privileges Execute arbitrary commands Bypass authentication and authorization protections Fetch and run unsigned software Cause denial of service (DoS) For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory.
Rainforest analyst review
These Cisco Small Business RV340 and RV345 series routers fail to validate input in their web-based management interface, allowing an attacker to inject operating-system commands that the device then runs. Because the flaw sits pre-authentication in the HTTP handling, an attacker who can reach the management interface needs no credentials to execute code, escalate privileges, and run arbitrary commands on the router. Related weaknesses in the same advisory let unsigned software be fetched and run, so a foothold becomes persistent control of the gateway.
The device class is the problem: these are the routers sitting at the edge of small-business and branch networks, terminating VPNs and mediating all traffic in and out. Compromise the router and you own the perimeter, with a vantage point for traffic interception and lateral movement that endpoint tooling never sees. Cisco does not always backport fixes to this hardware line, so treat firmware currency as the first control and never expose the web management interface to the internet. Restrict administration to a trusted internal segment, and for end-of-support units, plan replacement rather than assume a patch exists.
References
Related CVEs
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2022-20708?
Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco Small Business RV160, RV260, RV340, and RV345 Series Routers could allow an attacker to do any of the following: Execute arbitrary code Elevate privileges Execute arbitrary commands Bypass authentication and authorization protections Fetch and run unsigned software Cause denial of service (DoS) For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory…
How severe is CVE-2022-20708?
CVE-2022-20708 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 10, rated critical. On the Rainforest Risk Index — which weighs the severity alongside how easy the flaw is to reach and how broad its impact is — it scores 100 out of 100, in the critical band.
How is CVE-2022-20708 exploited?
According to the CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H): attack vector Network, attack complexity Low, privileges required None, user interaction None. Impact on confidentiality High, integrity High and availability High.
Which products are affected by CVE-2022-20708?
Public advisories list the following as affected: rv340, rv340 firmware, rv340w, rv340w firmware, rv345, rv345 firmware, +2. Check the references on this page for the exact versions each vendor confirms.
How do I fix CVE-2022-20708?
Apply the fix the vendor published — the references on this page link to the primary advisories and patches. When patching can't happen right away, reduce the exposure of the affected component and watch it for exploitation attempts. Rainforest customers see this vulnerability correlated to their own assets and prioritized by real exposure, not by score alone.
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