CVE-2024-20418
📋 TL;DR
This critical vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on Cisco URWB Access Points by sending crafted HTTP requests to the web management interface. It affects Cisco Unified Industrial Wireless Software for URWB Access Points. Attackers can completely compromise affected devices without any authentication.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB) Access Points
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device takeover allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal networks, disrupt industrial operations, or use devices as attack platforms.
Likely Case
Attackers gain full control of affected access points to intercept traffic, disrupt wireless connectivity, or use devices for further attacks.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact limited to isolated wireless segments.
🎯 Exploit Status
No authentication required, simple HTTP request exploitation. Likely to be weaponized quickly given CVSS 10.0 score.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 8.2.0-240 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-backhaul-ap-cmdinj-R7E28Ecs
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download software version 8.2.0-240 or later from Cisco Software Center. 2. Upload to affected URWB Access Points via web interface or CLI. 3. Install update. 4. Reboot devices to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Web Management Interface
allDisable the vulnerable web interface if not required for operations
no ip http server
no ip http secure-server
Restrict Management Access
allLimit access to management interface using ACLs
ip http access-class MANAGEMENT-ACL
ip http secure-server access-class MANAGEMENT-ACL
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices in separate VLAN with strict firewall rules
- Implement network monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests to management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check software version via CLI: show version | include SoftwareCheck Version:
show version | include SoftwareVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 8.2.0-240 or higher: show version | include Software📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual HTTP requests to management interface
- Command execution patterns in system logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful command execution
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with command injection patterns to /api/ endpoints
- Unusual outbound connections from URWB devices
- Traffic spikes from management interface
SIEM Query:
source="urwb-ap-logs" AND (http_uri="/api/*" AND http_method="POST" AND http_user_agent="*curl*" OR http_user_agent="*wget*")