CVE-2015-0150 in DIR-815
Summary
by MITRE
The remote administration UI in D-Link DIR-815 devices with firmware before 2.07.B01 allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0150 affects D-Link DIR-815 wireless routers running firmware versions prior to 2.07.B01, representing a critical access control flaw within the device's remote administration user interface. This issue falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where the router's web-based management interface fails to properly enforce authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions without requiring legitimate credentials or proper authorization, creating a significant security risk for network administrators and end users who rely on these devices for home or small office networking.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user credentials and access permissions within the web administration interface. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to gain unauthorized access to the router's configuration settings, potentially allowing them to modify network parameters, change administrator passwords, disable security features, or even install malicious firmware. This type of flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where unauthenticated users can perform actions typically restricted to authenticated administrators, directly violating the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0150 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected router's functionality. Network administrators may lose visibility into their network configurations, while end users face potential data breaches, man-in-the-middle attacks, or complete network compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the device or knowledge of the current administrator password, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. This flaw directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1072 for Application Deployment Permissions, as attackers can manipulate router configurations to establish persistent access points or redirect network traffic.
Security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe in environments where D-Link DIR-815 devices are deployed without proper network segmentation or monitoring. The affected devices may serve as entry points for more extensive network attacks, allowing threat actors to establish command and control channels, perform network reconnaissance, or use the compromised router as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as a potential indicator of broader security weaknesses in their network infrastructure, particularly if similar devices from the same manufacturer or firmware lineage are present. Mitigation efforts should include immediate firmware updates to version 2.07.B01 or later, implementation of network monitoring to detect unauthorized configuration changes, and consideration of alternative network access control mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure components.