CVE-2023-20118

CVE-2023-20118 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Cisco Rv016 Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming it has been exploited in the wild (added 2025-03-03). The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-77.

Key facts

Description

A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business Routers RV016, RV042, RV042G, RV082, RV320, and RV325 Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user input within incoming HTTP packets. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to the web-based management interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain root-level privileges and access unauthorized data. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to have valid administrative credentials on the affected device. Cisco has not and will not release software updates that address this vulnerability. However, administrators may disable the affected feature as described in the Workarounds ["#workarounds"] section. {{value}} ["%7b%7bvalue%7d%7d"])}]]

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-20118?
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Small Business Routers RV016, RV042, RV042G, RV082, RV320, and RV325 Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of user input within incoming HTTP packets. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to the web-based management interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain root-level privileges and access unauthorized data. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to have valid administrative credentials on the affected device. Cisco has not and will not release software updates that address this vulnerability. However, administrators may disable the affected feature as described in the Workarounds ["#workarounds"] section. {{value}} ["%7b%7bvalue%7d%7d"])}]]
How severe is CVE-2023-20118?
CVE-2023-20118 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2023-20118 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2023-20118 is on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added on 2025-03-03, which means active exploitation has been confirmed. It should be prioritised for remediation.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-20118?
CVE-2023-20118 primarily affects Cisco Rv016 Firmware. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-20118?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Because this CVE is known to be actively exploited, treat remediation as urgent — CISA KEV typically sets a short remediation deadline.
Does CVE-2023-20118 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2023-20118 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-24297. It is also flagged as exploited in the EUVD (since 2025-03-03).
When was CVE-2023-20118 published?
CVE-2023-20118 was published on 2023-04-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (6)

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