CVE-2022-20701
Published: March 3, 2022
Official Description
A vulnerability 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, or cause a denial of service (DoS).
CISA KEV Advisory
Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers Stack-based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
A vulnerability 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, or cause a denial of service (DoS).
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in Cisco Small Business RV160, RV260, RV340, and RV345 Series Routers allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code, elevate privileges, bypass authentication, or cause a denial of service. It is a high-severity flaw and is urgent due to its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming active exploitation. The EPSS score of 0.06078 indicates a moderate likelihood of exploitation.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its use by attackers.
Apply available firmware updates for Cisco Small Business RV160, RV260, RV340, and RV345 Series Routers. Regularly review and update router configurations to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2022-20701 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2022-20701 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2022-20701 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1