CVE-2019-15271 Cisco RV Series Routers Deserialization of Untrusted Data Vulnerability
A deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in the web-based management interface of certain Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers could allow an attacker to execute code with root privileges.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 8 Jun 2022.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 8.8, scored by Vendor).
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,612 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of certain Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The attacker must have either a valid credential or an active session token. The vulnerability is due to lack of input validation of the HTTP payload. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a malicious HTTP request to the web-based management interface of the targeted device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute commands with root privileges.
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Cisco Cisco Small Business RV Series Router Firmware | unspecified to before n/a |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Cisco RV Series Routers. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
- 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
Vendor Advisories
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2019-15271 and every other exploited flaw on the list.