CVE-2018-10641 in DIR-601
Summary
by MITRE
D-Link DIR-601 A1 1.02NA devices do not require the old password for a password change, which occurs in cleartext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10641 affects D-Link DIR-601 A1 1.02NA wireless routers and represents a critical weakness in the device's authentication mechanism. This flaw allows unauthorized users to change passwords without providing the existing password, fundamentally undermining the security model of the device. The issue stems from the router's failure to implement proper authentication checks during the password change process, creating an exploitable condition that violates fundamental security principles.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the router's web-based management interface where password change functionality is exposed. The device operates without requiring verification of the current password before accepting a new one, and furthermore, all communication occurs in cleartext without encryption. This dual weakness creates a scenario where any user with access to the management interface can modify the administrator password, potentially gaining persistent access to the network. The cleartext transmission exposes credentials to network sniffing attacks and man-in-the-middle attacks, as detailed in the CWE-312 category for exposure of sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password modification, creating potential for complete network compromise. An attacker who gains access to the router's management interface can not only change passwords but also reconfigure network settings, disable security features, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, as it enables unauthorized access through compromised credentials and facilitates further network infiltration. The device's lack of proper session management and authentication verification creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the firmware is updated.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the manufacturer has released patches addressing the authentication bypass issue. Network administrators should implement additional security controls including network segmentation, access control lists, and monitoring for unauthorized management interface access. The use of encrypted management protocols such as HTTPS should be enforced, and network administrators should regularly audit router configurations to detect unauthorized changes. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of implementing proper input validation and authentication checks as outlined in CWE-287, which addresses authentication failures in authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures to restrict access to management interfaces and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious administrative activities.