Is CVE-2021-1602 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2021-1602 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2021-1602 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2021-1602 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-1602?

CVE-2021-1602 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL).

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CRITICAL

CVE-2021-1602

CWE-78Published: August 4, 2021· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business RV160, RV160W, RV260, RV260P, and RV260W VPN Routers could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient user input validation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request to the web-based management interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on an affected device using root-level privileges. Due to the nature of the vulnerability, only commands without parameters can be executed.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-1602 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.