CVE-2015-0153 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 wireless key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
The D-Link DIR-815 wireless router series represents a significant security vulnerability classified as CVE-2015-0153, which affects devices running firmware versions prior to 2.07.B01. This vulnerability stems from the improper handling of sensitive configuration data within the device's storage mechanisms, creating a critical exposure that allows remote attackers to extract confidential wireless network credentials. The flaw specifically manifests in the cleartext storage of wireless keys, a practice that violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable condition that undermines the integrity of wireless network protection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the router's configuration storage system where wireless network keys are persisted in an unencrypted format within the device's memory or configuration files. This cleartext storage approach directly violates security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage. Attackers can leverage this weakness by gaining remote access to the device through various means including network reconnaissance, web interface exploitation, or other attack vectors that allow them to read the configuration files where these wireless credentials are stored in plain text format.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0153 extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of wireless networks protected by these devices. Once attackers obtain the cleartext wireless keys, they can establish unauthorized connections to the network, potentially leading to complete network compromise, data exfiltration, man-in-the-middle attacks, and lateral movement within the compromised network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate wireless connectivity but also creates persistent access points for attackers who can maintain long-term presence within the network environment. This exposure aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which covers network service scanning and T1075 which addresses remote service exploitation, demonstrating how this vulnerability can be leveraged in broader attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to version 2.07.B01 or later, which address the cleartext storage issue by implementing proper encryption mechanisms for sensitive configuration data. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, while security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other devices running vulnerable firmware versions. The remediation process must include comprehensive network scanning to identify all affected D-Link DIR-815 devices, followed by coordinated firmware updates that ensure proper encryption of wireless credentials and other sensitive configuration parameters. Additionally, security policies should be updated to mandate regular firmware updates and implement continuous monitoring of network devices for signs of unauthorized access or configuration changes that could indicate exploitation attempts.