CVE-2023-20118
HighExploitedPublic exploitA 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.
Published Apr 13, 2023 · Updated Oct 28, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-20118 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.2 v3.1) affecting Rv016 Firmware (Cisco), Rv042 Firmware (Cisco), Rv042g Firmware (Cisco) and 4 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Feb 25, 2025. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 54% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.2
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
54%
Higher than 98.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2023-20118 brief as a PDF
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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"])}]]
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 3, 2025 | Mar 24, 2025 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Feb 25, 2025 | Mar 24, 2025 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 3, 2025 | Mar 24, 2025 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 3, 2025 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
7 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Rv016 FirmwareCisco | See advisory | n/a |
| Rv042 FirmwareCisco | See advisory | n/a |
| Rv042g FirmwareCisco | See advisory | n/a |
| Rv082 FirmwareCisco | See advisory | n/a |
| Rv320 FirmwareCisco | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 13, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Feb 25, 2025
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 3, 2025
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 3, 2025
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 3, 2025
Last updated
Oct 28, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-77 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')
References
- advisorycisco-sa-sbr042-multi-vuln-ej76Pke5
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: Rv016 Firmware (Cisco); Rv042 Firmware (Cisco); Rv042g Firmware (Cisco), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Feb 25, 2025.
Yes. It was added on Mar 3, 2025 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 24, 2025.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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