CVE-2018-17880 in DIR-823G
Summary
by MITRE
On D-Link DIR-823G 2018-09-19 devices, the GoAhead configuration allows /HNAP1 RunReboot commands without authentication to trigger a reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17880 affects D-Link DIR-823G wireless routers released in September 2018, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw within the device's web interface configuration. This issue stems from the GoAhead web server implementation that fails to properly validate authentication requests for specific administrative functions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the HNAP1 protocol endpoint which handles device management operations, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to execute privileged commands through the RunReboot function.
The technical flaw resides in the improper access control mechanism of the GoAhead web server component that powers the router's management interface. When the /HNAP1 endpoint receives a RunReboot command, the system does not require proper authentication credentials before executing the reboot operation. This represents a classic authentication bypass vulnerability that falls under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw essentially allows any remote attacker to gain unauthorized administrative control over the device's reboot functionality, effectively creating a denial-of-service vector that can be exploited repeatedly.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to network infrastructure deployments where D-Link DIR-823G devices are in use. The ability to remotely trigger device reboots without authentication can result in persistent denial-of-service conditions that disrupt network connectivity for end users. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to repeatedly reboot target devices, creating ongoing service interruptions that may go unnoticed for extended periods. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a foothold for further exploitation attempts, potentially enabling attackers to gain deeper access to the network through subsequent reconnaissance activities.
The vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and denial-of-service attacks. Attackers can utilize this flaw as part of a broader exploitation chain to establish persistent access or to disrupt critical network operations. The lack of authentication requirements for administrative functions creates a pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized system modifications that could compromise network security posture. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual reboot patterns as part of their defensive strategies.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the authentication bypass vulnerability, along with network monitoring to detect unauthorized reboot attempts. Network administrators should also consider disabling remote management interfaces when not actively required and implementing strict access controls for device management functions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper authentication mechanisms in embedded systems and highlights the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices to identify and remediate similar flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.