CVE-2017-14417 in DIR-850L
Summary
by MITRE
register_send.php on D-Link DIR-850L REV. B (with firmware through FW208WWb02) devices does not require authentication, which can result in unintended enrollment in mydlink Cloud Services.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14417 affects D-Link DIR-850L REV. B wireless routers running firmware versions up to FW208WWb02. This issue stems from a critical design flaw in the register_send.php web script that handles device registration processes for D-Link's mydlink cloud service. The vulnerability represents a classic authentication bypass weakness that allows unauthorized users to interact with the device's registration functionality without proper credentials.
The technical flaw resides in the lack of authentication checks within the register_send.php script, which operates on the device's web interface. This script is responsible for managing the enrollment process that connects the router to D-Link's cloud services, enabling remote access and management capabilities. Without proper authentication mechanisms, any remote attacker or local user can invoke this registration function and potentially enroll the device in mydlink services without authorization. This authentication bypass vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized enrollment. When a device is registered to mydlink services without proper authorization, it exposes the network to potential remote management by unauthorized parties. This creates a persistent backdoor that could allow attackers to gain ongoing access to the device's configuration settings, network parameters, and potentially the entire local network. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate router settings, change network configurations, and potentially establish persistent access points that could be used for further network infiltration.
This weakness creates significant security implications for users who may unknowingly have their devices enrolled in cloud services without their consent. The mydlink service integration could provide attackers with additional attack surface by exposing device management interfaces and potentially enabling them to modify firmware, change administrative credentials, or redirect network traffic. The vulnerability also presents a risk of device compromise that could lead to broader network infiltration, as the enrolled device could serve as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network.
Organizations and individuals should immediately update their D-Link DIR-850L REV. B devices to the latest firmware version available from D-Link's official website. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper authentication mechanisms for all network service endpoints, particularly those that enable cloud service integrations. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability as part of broader network security assessments and implement network monitoring to detect unauthorized device enrollment in cloud services. The issue also highlights the need for robust access control measures and regular firmware updates to address known vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond the initial enrollment phase, as the mydlink service integration could provide attackers with additional capabilities including remote configuration changes, network monitoring, and potential data exfiltration. This aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to persistence and privilege escalation, as unauthorized enrollment could provide attackers with long-term access to network infrastructure. Network administrators should implement proper segmentation and monitoring to detect suspicious enrollment activities and ensure that only authorized devices are registered with cloud services.