CVE-2004-0615 in Di-614+
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in D-Link DI-614+ SOHO router running firmware 2.30, and DI-704 SOHO router running firmware 2.60B2, and DI-624, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary script or HTML via the DHCP HOSTNAME option in a DHCP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in several D-Link SOHO router models including the DI-614+, DI-704, and DI-624 devices running specific firmware versions. The flaw resides in the routers' handling of DHCP requests where the DHCP HOSTNAME option is not properly sanitized before being processed and displayed in the web interface. This represents a classic server-side input validation issue that allows malicious actors to inject malicious code through legitimate network protocols. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically in the context of web application security. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1566.001 for initial access through valid accounts and T1071.004 for application layer protocols. The technical implementation involves the router's web management interface failing to properly escape or filter the hostname parameter received through DHCP requests, creating an XSS vector that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on these routers for network infrastructure. An attacker positioned within the network or capable of intercepting DHCP traffic can craft malicious DHCP requests containing script code within the HOSTNAME field. When the router processes this request and displays the hostname in its web interface, the injected script executes in the context of the user's browser session. This allows for session hijacking, credential theft, and potential redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network layer, making it accessible to attackers who can simply send specially crafted DHCP packets without requiring authentication to the router's web interface. The specific firmware versions mentioned indicate this was a known issue that persisted across multiple router models, suggesting a systemic design flaw in the input handling mechanisms rather than an isolated incident.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate protection and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to firmware versions that properly sanitize the HOSTNAME parameter in DHCP requests, as D-Link has likely released patches for this issue. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous DHCP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The web interface should be configured to disable unnecessary features that process external input, and access controls should be strengthened to limit who can view the router's web management interface. Security professionals should implement network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious DHCP packets containing script tags or other malicious payloads. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that all network devices properly handle user-supplied input and that no similar vulnerabilities exist in other network infrastructure components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies where multiple layers of security protect against different attack vectors, as a single point of failure in input validation can compromise the entire network's security posture.