CVE-2016-10179 in DWR-932B
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on the D-Link DWR-932B router. There is a hardcoded WPS PIN of 28296607.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2026
The D-Link DWR-932B router presents a critical security vulnerability through the presence of a hardcoded WPS PIN value of 28296607 within its firmware configuration. This vulnerability stems from improper security implementation where manufacturers embedded a static PIN value that remains unchanged across all affected devices, creating a predictable authentication mechanism that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the WPS protocol. The flaw represents a classic example of poor cryptographic key management and hardcoding practices that have been consistently identified as high-risk configurations in cybersecurity frameworks.
This vulnerability directly enables unauthorized network access through the WPS functionality, which is designed to simplify wireless network configuration but becomes a significant attack vector when static PINs are employed. The hardcoded nature of the PIN means that any attacker who can discover or obtain this specific value can bypass the wireless network authentication process without requiring additional reconnaissance or exploitation techniques. The WPS protocol itself has been subject to multiple security analyses and has been found to be inherently weak when implemented without proper security controls, making this particular device vulnerable to well-documented attacks such as the PIN brute-force methods that have been extensively documented in security literature.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential network compromise and data interception capabilities. Once an attacker gains access through the hardcoded WPS PIN, they can establish persistent network presence and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the router configuration. This creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the device firmware is updated or the router is physically replaced, as the hardcoded PIN cannot be changed through normal configuration procedures. The vulnerability also affects network availability and integrity, as attackers can modify router settings to redirect traffic or disable security features.
Security professionals should recognize this issue as aligning with CWE-259 and CWE-798 categories that address weak password handling and hardcoded credentials, respectively. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1072 which covers software deployment methods that leverage hardcoded credentials. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, while also ensuring that all affected devices are updated with firmware patches that remove the hardcoded PIN and implement proper WPS security controls. The incident highlights the importance of secure development practices and the necessity of avoiding hardcoded credentials in embedded systems, particularly those with direct network access capabilities.
This vulnerability demonstrates the broader challenge of securing IoT and networking equipment where manufacturers often prioritize ease of use over security implementation. The hardcoded WPS PIN represents a fundamental misalignment between user convenience and security requirements, creating a situation where the device's intended functionality directly compromises network security. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement temporary mitigations such as disabling WPS functionality entirely or implementing additional network controls to prevent unauthorized access. The incident underscores the critical importance of regular security audits and firmware updates as essential components of network security management practices.