Introduction
This document addresses critical vulnerabilities in Cisco Small Business RV Series routers and Microsoft Windows systems, highlighting their exploitation and the necessary mitigation measures. These vulnerabilities pose significant risks to network security and require immediate attention to prevent unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.
Description
CVE-2023-20118 is a command injection vulnerability in the web-based management interface of several Cisco Small Business RV Series routers [6] [9] [11], including models RV016 [3] [7], RV042 [1] [2] [3] [7] [9] [10], RV042G [1] [2] [3] [7] [9] [10], RV082 [1] [3] [7] [9] [10], RV320 [1] [3] [7] [9] [10], and RV325 [1] [2] [3] [7] [9] [10], with a CVSS score of 6.5 [1] [9] [10]. This flaw arises from improper validation of user input [7], allowing authenticated remote attackers with valid admin credentials to execute arbitrary commands and gain root-level privileges, potentially accessing unauthorized data [6] [11]. Notably, this vulnerability can be exploited in conjunction with CVE-2023-20025, which is an authentication bypass [5]. CISA has issued warnings regarding the active exploitation of CVE-2023-20118 [8], emphasizing the urgency for organizations to secure their networks. The vulnerability has been exploited to integrate vulnerable Cisco devices into the PolarEdge botnet [6], which has been active since late 2023 [6]. This botnet targets edge devices from various vendors to install a TLS-based backdoor [6], enabling persistent access and command execution [6]. Over 2,000 devices [6], particularly in Asia and South America [6], have been compromised [6], facilitating proxying of malicious traffic [6], launching DDoS attacks [6], and conducting cyber espionage [6]. Cisco has acknowledged this vulnerability but has stated that no patches will be released for the affected models, which have reached their end-of-life status. Administrators are advised to assess their devices [7], consider upgrading [7], or implementing network segmentation to mitigate risks [7], and promptly remove end-of-life devices from their networks [6].
CVE-2018-8639 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability in various versions of Microsoft Windows [1], specifically within the Win32k component [9] [10], which improperly handles objects in memory [9] [10]. This vulnerability affects Windows client systems, including Windows 7, 10 [3] [7] [9], and Windows 8.1 [1] [3], as well as server platforms (Windows Server 2008 and up) [2]. Local [2] [3] [5] [8] [9], authenticated attackers who have logged onto the system can exploit this flaw by running a specially crafted application, allowing them to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode [3] [10] [11]. This could enable them to install programs, view [10], change [10], or delete data [10], or create new accounts with full user rights [3] [10]. CISA has also warned of the active exploitation of this vulnerability, highlighting the need for immediate action. A security update has been issued to address this flaw by correcting the handling of objects in memory [10]. Organizations are encouraged to regularly update their Windows environments to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability [7].
These vulnerabilities represent significant attack vectors for malicious cyber actors and pose risks to federal enterprise networks [4]. The Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog [4], established by Binding Operational Directive BOD 22-01 [4] [9], includes these CVEs and mandates that Federal Civilian Executive Branch FCEB agencies remediate them by March 24, 2025, to protect against active threats [4]. Federal agencies are required to secure their networks from these vulnerabilities within a three-week deadline as mandated by BOD 22-01 [8].
CISA encourages all organizations to prioritize the timely remediation of vulnerabilities listed in the catalog as part of their vulnerability management practices [4]. Immediate defensive actions are advised, including disabling remote management [9], upgrading firmware [9], monitoring network activity [9], using strong credentials [9], restricting access [9], and implementing multi-layered defense strategies [9]. Addressing these known exploited vulnerabilities is crucial for organizations to mitigate risks associated with unpatched software [1], as cybercriminals often exploit such vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access [1]. Regular monitoring and prompt application of security patches are essential to fortifying cybersecurity defenses and reducing the attack surface.
Conclusion
The vulnerabilities in Cisco routers and Microsoft Windows systems underscore the critical need for proactive cybersecurity measures. Organizations must prioritize the remediation of these vulnerabilities to safeguard their networks against exploitation. By implementing recommended security practices, such as regular updates, network segmentation [7], and strong access controls, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure. As cyber threats continue to evolve, maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses is imperative to protect sensitive data and ensure operational integrity.
References
[1] https://thecyberexpress.com/new-known-exploited-vulnerabilities-to-catalog/
[2] https://dailysecurityreview.com/security-spotlight/cisa-tags-windows-and-cisco-vulnerabilities-as-actively-exploited/
[3] https://mashable.com/article/cisa-windows-cisco-router-active-vulnerabilities
[4] https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2025/03/03/cisa-adds-five-known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog
[5] https://www.cyware.com/resources/threat-briefings/daily-threat-briefing/cyware-daily-threat-intelligence-march-04-2025
[6] https://fieldeffect.com/blog/cisa-adds-five-flaws-to-its-kev-catalog
[7] https://cyble.com/blog/cisa-adds-new-exploited-vulnerabilities-to-catalog/
[8] https://www.hendryadrian.com/cisa-tags-windows-cisco-vulnerabilities-as-actively-exploited/
[9] https://www.techworm.net/2025/03/cisa-flags-active-exploits-windows-cisco.html
[10] https://securityaffairs.com/174853/security/u-s-cisa-adds-multiple-cisco-small-business-rv-series-routers-hitachi-vantara-pentaho-ba-server-microsoft-windows-win32k-and-progress-whatsup-gold-flaws-to-its-known-exploited-vulnerabilities.html
[11] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/cisa-govt-patch-exploited-cisco/
