Cisco has released a critical security patch for a severe vulnerability identified in its Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB) Access Points. Tracked as CVE-2024-20418, this vulnerability has received a maximum CVSS score of 10.0 due to the potential severity of its impact. The flaw is caused by a lack of input validation in the web-based management interface of Cisco’s Unified Industrial Wireless Software. This oversight could allow unauthenticated, remote attackers to send specially crafted HTTP requests to the management interface, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands with elevated root privileges on the underlying operating system of the affected device.
The vulnerability specifically affects Cisco’s Catalyst IW9165D, IW9165E, and IW9167E models when operating in the URWB mode. Cisco has clarified that devices not operating in URWB mode are not affected by CVE-2024-20418. The issue was discovered during internal security testing, prompting Cisco to release the necessary updates. The flaw’s potential for exploitation means that attackers could gain unauthorized access to the device’s root privileges, thereby compromising the integrity and security of the network. However, as of the release of the advisory, there has been no indication of the flaw being actively exploited in the wild.
To address this critical vulnerability, Cisco has issued a security patch in the Cisco Unified Industrial Wireless Software version 17.15.1. Organizations currently running earlier versions of the software, particularly version 17.14 and earlier, are urged to promptly upgrade to the fixed release to protect their networks. The patch resolves the issue by strengthening input validation on the web interface, preventing malicious HTTP requests from exploiting the vulnerability. While Cisco has not reported any known exploitations, the company emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action to mitigate the risk of attack.
This vulnerability highlights the critical nature of securing industrial network infrastructures, especially as industrial and commercial networks increasingly rely on wireless technology for operations. Given the essential role that Cisco’s URWB Access Points play in industrial settings, it is vital for organizations to stay up to date with security patches to protect against unauthorized access and ensure the reliability of their network systems. Timely patching and vigilance against potential exploits are key to safeguarding sensitive industrial environments from emerging cybersecurity threats.
