CVE-2015-0152 in DIR-815
Summary
by MITRE
D-Link DIR-815 devices with firmware before 2.07.B01 allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by leveraging cleartext storage of the administrative password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
The D-Link DIR-815 router series represents a significant security vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0152, where devices running firmware versions prior to 2.07.B01 expose administrative credentials through insecure storage mechanisms. This flaw stems from the improper handling of administrative passwords within the device's configuration files, where credentials are stored in plain text rather than being properly encrypted or hashed. The vulnerability affects a range of D-Link DIR-815 models that were widely deployed in residential and small office environments, creating a substantial risk profile for users who may not regularly update their firmware. The cleartext storage of administrative passwords directly violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable condition that remote attackers can leverage without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the configuration management level within the router's firmware, where the administrative password is written to persistent storage without adequate cryptographic protection. This design flaw allows any attacker who gains access to the device's file system or network configuration interfaces to directly read the administrative credentials from stored configuration files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage of credentials, and represents a classic example of poor cryptographic implementation in embedded systems. The attack surface is particularly broad as the vulnerability can be exploited through multiple vectors including direct network access, physical access to the device, or through compromised network positions that allow interception of configuration data.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0152 extends far beyond simple credential exposure, as administrative access to network routers provides attackers with complete control over network traffic, firewall configurations, DNS settings, and the ability to modify network policies. This level of access enables attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect traffic to malicious servers, establish persistent backdoors, and potentially compromise all devices connected to the network through the compromised router. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where these devices may be deployed without proper security monitoring or regular firmware updates. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers can leverage the exposed credentials to establish persistent access and expand their network reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to version 2.07.B01 or later, which properly implements encrypted storage of administrative credentials. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls including regular firmware audits, network segmentation to isolate critical systems, and monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure configuration management practices and proper cryptographic implementation in embedded network devices, highlighting the need for manufacturers to follow security-by-design principles. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and implement mandatory firmware update policies to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other network equipment. The incident also underscores the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and the potential consequences of delayed firmware updates in network infrastructure devices.