CVE-2019-15655 in DSL-2875AL
Summary
by MITRE
D-Link DSL-2875AL devices through 1.00.05 are prone to password disclosure via a simple crafted /romfile.cfg request to the web management server. This request doesn't require any authentication and will lead to saving the configuration file. The password is stored in cleartext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-15655 affects D-Link DSL-2875AL broadband routers running firmware versions through 1.00.05, representing a critical security flaw in network device configuration management. This issue stems from improper access controls within the web management interface, specifically exposing a sensitive configuration endpoint that allows unauthorized users to retrieve system configuration data without authentication. The vulnerability manifests through a simple crafted HTTP request targeting the /romfile.cfg endpoint, which serves as a backdoor for retrieving the device's complete configuration file. This particular flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in the device's security architecture, where sensitive information is accessible through unauthenticated means, violating basic principles of network device security and access control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the web server component of the DSL-2875AL device failing to properly validate incoming requests to the /romfile.cfg endpoint. When an attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to this specific path, the device's web management server responds by transmitting the complete configuration file, which contains critical system information including administrative passwords stored in plaintext format. This configuration file contains the device's entire runtime configuration, including user credentials, network settings, and other sensitive operational parameters. The cleartext storage of passwords represents a severe weakness that directly violates security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, where credential storage without proper encryption or hashing constitutes a critical security risk.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple password disclosure, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise network infrastructure. Once an attacker gains access to the plaintext passwords, they can assume full administrative control over the affected router, potentially gaining access to the entire local network, modifying firewall rules, redirecting traffic, or establishing persistent backdoors. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication credentials to exploit, making it highly accessible to both skilled and unskilled attackers. The disclosure of administrative passwords also enables attackers to conduct lateral movement within networks, as these credentials may be reused across multiple devices or systems, creating a cascading security risk that can compromise entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability affects a specific model of router that may be deployed in residential, small office, or enterprise environments, making it a potentially widespread security concern.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15655 should include immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the specific access control flaw in the web management interface. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices, ensuring that even if a router is compromised, attackers cannot easily move laterally within the network. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strong network access controls, and monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to access the specific /romfile.cfg endpoint, which aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques for credential access and privilege escalation. Organizations should also conduct thorough network audits to identify all affected devices and ensure that default credentials are changed immediately, as this vulnerability provides attackers with the means to bypass authentication entirely. The incident highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in embedded web services, as detailed in CWE-285 and CWE-312 categories that address improper authorization and cleartext storage of sensitive data.