CVE-2019-17510 in DIR-846
Summary
by MITRE
D-Link DIR-846 devices with firmware 100A35 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands as root by leveraging admin access and sending a /HNAP1/ request for SetWizardConfig with shell metacharacters to /squashfs-root/www/HNAP1/control/SetWizardConfig.php.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2024
The CVE-2019-17510 vulnerability affects D-Link DIR-846 wireless routers running firmware version 100A35 and potentially other versions within the same release cycle. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that demonstrates how improper input validation in web application components can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability exists within the HNAP1 protocol implementation, specifically in the SetWizardConfig functionality that handles configuration requests through the /squashfs-root/www/HNAP1/control/SetWizardConfig.php endpoint. The attack vector requires an authenticated administrative session, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the severity of the flaw.
The technical exploitation mechanism leverages a classic command injection vulnerability where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into system commands. When an attacker sends a crafted /HNAP1/ request with malicious shell metacharacters embedded within the SetWizardConfig parameters, the system processes these inputs without adequate validation or escaping. This allows the attacker to inject arbitrary operating system commands that execute with root privileges due to the administrative context of the request. The vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization and inadequate output escaping mechanisms within the web application layer, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected device, enabling them to modify network configurations, install malicious software, establish backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The root-level execution capability means that attackers can manipulate the device's core functionality, including firewall rules, DNS settings, and network routing configurations. Additionally, since these devices are often deployed in residential and small office environments, the compromise can lead to widespread network infiltration and potential data exfiltration. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for organizations that may have legacy D-Link devices in their infrastructure, as these routers often serve as critical network gateways.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-17510 should focus on immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the vendor has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring for suspicious HNAP1 traffic patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should include inventory tracking of all network devices to identify potentially vulnerable D-Link models, and administrative credentials should be changed immediately upon discovery of any compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-89 categories related to command injection and SQL injection respectively, and maps to ATT&CK techniques such as T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to monitor for the specific patterns associated with this attack vector.