The recent Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability found in Cisco Small Business RV Series routers has raised serious concerns about the security of network infrastructure, especially for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that may still rely on these devices for critical operations. The vulnerability, tracked under CVE-2023-20025, enables unauthenticated remote attackers to exploit flaws in the web-based management interface of affected routers by sending specially crafted HTTP requests. This could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, effectively granting them full control over the devices.
Recommendations and Actions Taken
Cisco recommends disabling remote management through the routers’ web interface. However, the best long-term solution is for organizations to migrate to newer models like the RV132W, RV160, or RV160W, which are still supported by Cisco and receive security updates.
The affected models—RV110W, RV130, RV130W, and RV215W—are now discontinued, and Cisco has confirmed that it will not be issuing software updates to patch these vulnerabilities, as the devices have reached the end of their product lifecycle. Instead, Cisco recommends disabling the remote management feature and migrating to newer models such as the RV132W, RV160, or RV160W, which still receive regular security updates. While these recommendations can help mitigate the immediate risk, the lack of direct patches leaves organizations vulnerable, particularly if they are slow to transition to new hardware or fail to disable remote access.
Where MXDR Can Help
This situation exemplifies the broader challenges businesses face in maintaining cybersecurity, particularly when relying on aging infrastructure. This is where Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) solutions, like those offered by Gradient Cyber, can play a crucial role. MXDR continuously monitors networks, endpoints, and cloud environments, offering real-time detection and response to potential threats. In the case of vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20025, MXDR would actively monitor for unusual activities, such as unauthorized access attempts through the router’s management interface, and flag them for investigation.
MXDR platforms use AI-powered analytics combined with human expertise to detect anomalies and isolate security incidents before they lead to significant breaches. Even in scenarios where patching is not an option—like with these end-of-life Cisco routers—MXDR can act as a safeguard, detecting any exploit attempts in real-time and mitigating the potential damage by enforcing network segmentation, blocking malicious traffic, and providing immediate alerts to IT teams. Additionally, MXDR solutions can facilitate compliance and audit requirements, ensuring that even vulnerable devices are continuously monitored for threats, reducing risk exposure and minimizing business disruptions.
Moving Forward
This scenario underscores the need for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMBs), to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity solutions like MXDR that go beyond basic patching strategies, providing proactive protection against evolving threats.
By proactively addressing threats even when vulnerabilities remain unpatched, MXDR ensures that businesses, especially SMBs, can maintain cyber resilience despite hardware limitations. In a landscape where cyber threats are evolving and targeting weaker links in an organization’s digital infrastructure, MXDR solutions provide a comprehensive, scalable, and cost-effective way to stay ahead of attackers.
To learn how Gradient Cyber's MXDR can support your organization contact us here.
