CVE-2019-10042 in DIR-816 A2
Summary
by MITRE
The D-Link DIR-816 A2 1.11 router only checks the random token when authorizing a goform request. An attacker can get this token from dir_login.asp and use an API URL /goform/LoadDefaultSettings to reset the router without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2023
The CVE-2019-10042 vulnerability affects the D-Link DIR-816 A2 1.11 router firmware, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the device's security architecture. This vulnerability stems from improper session management and weak authorization mechanisms within the router's web interface, specifically targeting the goform API endpoints that handle administrative functions. The issue lies in the router's failure to implement robust authentication checks beyond the initial random token validation, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to execute privileged operations without proper credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability begins with an attacker accessing the dir_login.asp page to extract the random token that is typically used for session validation. This token extraction represents a classic example of insufficient session management, where the system relies on a single factor for authentication rather than implementing multi-factor verification or proper session validation. Once obtained, the attacker can leverage this token to make unauthorized requests to the /goform/LoadDefaultSettings API endpoint, which executes a complete router reset operation. This flaw demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, as the system fails to verify the authenticity of the requesting user beyond the initial token.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses complete device compromise with minimal effort required from an attacker. The ability to reset the router to factory defaults allows an unauthorized user to gain complete control over the device's configuration, potentially exposing the entire network to further attacks. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring any prior authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for network administrators who may not be aware of the compromised device. The attack surface extends beyond simple device control to include potential network infiltration, as the reset operation could be used to remove security configurations or establish persistent access points.
Security professionals should note this vulnerability aligns with CWE-305 authentication bypass patterns and represents a significant concern in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1078 legitimate credentials technique where attackers leverage valid tokens to perform unauthorized actions. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and authentication flow implementation, as the system fails to validate the token's origin or ensure it corresponds to an authenticated session. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from D-Link, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for unauthorized reset operations. The incident highlights the critical need for robust authentication mechanisms in network devices and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple authentication flows can contain critical security flaws when not properly implemented.