CVE-2018-10431 in DIR-615
Summary
by MITRE
D-Link DIR-615 2.5.17 devices allow Remote Code Execution via shell metacharacters in the Host field of the System / Traceroute screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10431 affects D-Link DIR-615 routers running firmware version 2.5.17 and potentially earlier versions. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices without authentication. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web interface of the router, specifically in the System/Traceroute screen where users can input host information for network tracing operations. The device fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into system commands, creating a classic command injection vulnerability that directly violates security principles of input sanitization and output encoding.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the Host field parameter within the traceroute functionality. When an attacker submits malicious input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or pipe characters, these characters are interpreted by the underlying shell as command separators or operators. The vulnerable router processes this input directly without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary shell commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, respectively. The attack vector follows the pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the use of shell commands for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected router's functionality. Once exploited, attackers can modify router configurations, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, establish backdoors for persistent access, or use the compromised device as a launch point for further attacks within the local network. The vulnerability affects not just individual devices but potentially entire networks, as compromised routers can serve as pivoting points for lateral movement. Network administrators face significant challenges in detecting such attacks since legitimate traceroute functionality remains operational while malicious commands execute silently in the background. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that any remote attacker with network access can immediately exploit this vulnerability without requiring additional credentials or prior access to the device.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the manufacturer has released patches addressing the input validation flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit the impact of compromised devices and deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious command injection patterns. Network monitoring should focus on unusual traceroute requests and shell command executions that deviate from normal operational behavior. Security teams must also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected D-Link devices within their network infrastructure and ensure that all firmware versions are current. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing firewall rules to restrict access to administrative interfaces, and establishing network access controls that prevent unauthorized users from submitting data to the affected web interface components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and highlights how seemingly benign functionality can become a gateway for complete system compromise when security controls are inadequate.