CVE-2026-24698: Cisco RV130/RV110W Command Injection

Technical summary

CVE-2026-24698 is an OS command injection vulnerability (CWE-78) in the save_syslog_to_file() function within the httpd binary. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on the model_name configuration parameter. When this parameter is processed during syslog operations, shell metacharacters and command sequences are not properly sanitized before being passed to system calls, enabling command injection. The affected firmware versions are RV130/RV130W 1.0.3.55, RV110W 1.2.2.5, and RV110W 1.2.2.8. Exploitation requires valid authentication, limiting the attack surface to users with administrative or configuration access.

Business impact

Successful exploitation grants an attacker root-level command execution on the affected router. This enables complete device compromise, including credential theft, network traffic interception, lateral network movement, persistent backdoor installation, and disruption of business-critical WAN connectivity. Small-business routers often sit at network perimeters and handle sensitive traffic, making this a significant risk for organizations relying on these devices for branch office or remote site connectivity.

Affected systems

Cisco RV130 and RV130W routers running firmware 1.0.3.55, and Cisco RV110W routers running firmware versions 1.2.2.5 or 1.2.2.8 are affected. Organizations should audit their deployment to identify which models and firmware versions are in use. RV series routers are commonly deployed in small office, branch office, and remote work scenarios.

Exploitability

The vulnerability requires authenticated access—an attacker must have valid administrative credentials or configuration privileges. This reduces real-world exploitability compared to unauthenticated flaws, but insider threats, compromised accounts, and supply-chain scenarios remain plausible attack vectors. The attack is trivial to execute once authentication is obtained; no special tools or technical skills beyond basic command syntax are required. Public disclosure will likely accelerate weaponization attempts.

Remediation

Cisco has released firmware updates to address this vulnerability. Organizations must identify affected devices and apply the latest available firmware immediately. Interim risk reduction measures include: restricting administrative access to trusted personnel, implementing IP-based access controls to limit who can reach the router management interface, disabling remote management if not operationally required, and monitoring for suspicious configuration changes or command execution patterns in syslog data.

Patch guidance

Verify the current firmware version on each affected router via the device management interface. Compare against the affected versions listed (RV130/RV130W 1.0.3.55, RV110W 1.2.2.5/1.2.2.8). Download the latest firmware from Cisco's support portal and follow the vendor's firmware update procedure. Test updates in a non-production environment first if feasible. Document the update timeline for compliance and audit purposes. After patching, confirm the firmware version to ensure the update completed successfully.

Detection guidance

Monitor httpd process behavior for unexpected system calls or child process spawning. Review configuration change logs for modifications to the model_name parameter, particularly entries containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &, $, backticks, etc.). Analyze syslog output for command execution artifacts. Implement authentication logging to identify which accounts accessed configuration settings. Network intrusion detection systems may flag suspicious HTTP POST requests to configuration endpoints containing encoded special characters. Endpoint detection tools on management workstations can alert on unusual SSH or HTTP traffic patterns to router management ports.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability scores 7.2 (HIGH) under CVSS 3.1 due to high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact combined with network accessibility and low attack complexity. Although authentication is required, the impact—root command execution on a network-critical device—justifies immediate priority. Organizations should treat this as a critical network infrastructure risk and prioritize patching before exploits become widespread.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.2 reflects: (1) Network accessibility (AV:N), allowing attacks over the network; (2) Low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring no special conditions or techniques once authenticated; (3) High privilege requirement (PR:H), limiting the attack surface to administrators; (4) No user interaction needed (UI:N); (5) Unchanged scope (S:U); and (6) High impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H), as root command execution enables complete device compromise. The score appropriately emphasizes the severe impact despite the authentication barrier.

Frequently asked questions