CVE-2017-14418 in DIR-850L
Summary
by MITRE
The D-Link NPAPI extension, as used in conjunction with D-Link DIR-850L REV. B (with firmware through FW208WWb02) devices, sends the cleartext admin password over the Internet as part of interaction with mydlink Cloud Services.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14418 represents a critical security flaw in D-Link's network infrastructure devices, specifically affecting the DIR-850L router model with firmware versions up to FW208WWb02. This issue manifests through the D-Link NPAPI extension which establishes communication with mydlink Cloud Services, creating an unintended pathway for sensitive authentication credentials to be transmitted without proper encryption. The flaw occurs during routine device interaction with cloud services, where administrative credentials are exposed in plaintext format across network connections, fundamentally undermining the security posture of affected networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication data within the NPAPI extension component of the router's firmware. When the device attempts to communicate with mydlink cloud services, the administrative password is transmitted in cleartext rather than being properly encrypted or secured through established cryptographic protocols. This design flaw directly violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface where network credentials can be intercepted by malicious actors during transmission. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage or transmission, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where traffic interception is feasible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, creating significant risks for network administrators and end users who rely on D-Link devices for their networking infrastructure. Attackers who gain access to network traffic can easily capture the administrative password and subsequently gain full control over the affected router, enabling them to modify network configurations, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, or establish persistent access points within the network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: DNS, as the compromised credentials could be used to manipulate DNS settings or establish unauthorized communication channels. The exposure of administrative credentials also supports lateral movement techniques described in ATT&CK matrix, allowing attackers to pivot from the compromised device to other network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14418 require immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the cleartext transmission issue. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate credential interception attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling cloud services integration when not required, implementing network access controls to restrict communication with mydlink services, and conducting regular security audits to identify potential exposure points. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure credential handling practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in network device software can create significant security risks. Organizations should also consider deploying network traffic analysis tools to monitor for cleartext credential transmission and ensure that all device communications are properly encrypted through established protocols such as TLS. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the necessity for comprehensive security testing of network infrastructure components, particularly those handling authentication credentials and communicating with external services.