CVE-2023-20118
Published: March 3, 2025
Official Description
Multiple Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers contains a command injection vulnerability in the web-based management interface. Successful exploitation could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to gain root-level privileges and access unauthorized data.
CISA KEV Advisory
Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers Command Injection Vulnerability
Multiple Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers contains a command injection vulnerability in the web-based management interface. Successful exploitation could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to gain root-level privileges and access unauthorized data.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Risk Analysis
Multiple Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers are vulnerable to a command injection flaw in their web-based management interface. Successful exploitation by an authenticated, remote attacker could lead to root-level privileges and unauthorized data access, making this a high-severity threat with confirmed in-the-wild exploitation.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild. An authenticated, remote attacker can exploit this flaw over the network.
Apply the latest security updates and firmware patches from Cisco for the affected Small Business RV Series Routers. Ensure strong, unique credentials are used for management interfaces.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-20118 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-2023-20118 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 (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-20118 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