CVE-2006-6538 in DWL-2000AP+
Summary
by MITRE
D-LINK DWL-2000AP+ firmware 2.11 allows remote attackers to cause (1) a denial of service (device reset) via a flood of ARP replies on the wired or wireless (radio) link and (2) a denial of service (device crash) via a flood of ARP requests on the wireless link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The CVE-2006-6538 vulnerability affects the D-LINK DWL-2000AP+ wireless access point firmware version 2.11, presenting significant security implications for network infrastructure devices. This vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in the device's handling of Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) traffic, which forms the foundation of network communication between devices. The vulnerability exists within the device's network protocol processing mechanisms, specifically in how it manages ARP packet flow across both wired and wireless interfaces, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt normal network operations.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation and resource management within the firmware's ARP processing routines. When the device receives an excessive volume of ARP packets, particularly through flooding attacks on either the wired or wireless interfaces, the access point's processing capabilities become overwhelmed. The device fails to implement adequate rate limiting or packet filtering mechanisms to distinguish between legitimate network traffic and malicious flood attacks. This results in the device consuming excessive system resources, leading to either a complete device reset or a crash that renders the wireless access point non-functional. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol level, affecting the device's ability to maintain stable connections and process legitimate network requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures that rely on the affected access point. Network administrators may experience unexpected downtime, loss of wireless connectivity for connected devices, and potential cascading failures if multiple access points in the network are similarly vulnerable. The attack vectors leverage common network protocols that are essential for normal device operation, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be executed using standard network tools. The ability to cause both device reset and crash conditions provides attackers with multiple methods to achieve their objectives, increasing the overall threat surface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing network-level protections and firmware updates where available. Network administrators should deploy rate limiting mechanisms on switches and routers to prevent ARP flooding attacks from reaching the affected access points. The implementation of ARP inspection and monitoring systems can help detect anomalous traffic patterns that indicate potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices and implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious ARP traffic patterns. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability relates to CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and CWE-400, which covers resource exhaustion conditions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1498, which involves network denial of service attacks, and T1071, which covers application layer protocol usage. Device vendors should prioritize firmware updates to address the underlying implementation flaws in ARP packet handling, while network architects should design defensive measures that can detect and mitigate such attacks before they can compromise network availability.