CVE-2019-6969 in DVA-5592
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface of the D-Link DVA-5592 20180823 is vulnerable to an authentication bypass that allows an unauthenticated user to have access to sensitive information such as the Wi-Fi password and the phone number (if VoIP is in use).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2023
The D-Link DVA-5592 router model, specifically version 20180823, contains a critical authentication bypass vulnerability that fundamentally compromises the device's security posture. This vulnerability resides within the web interface component of the router's firmware, creating a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data. The flaw represents a severe weakness in the device's access control mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to bypass the standard authentication procedures that should protect administrative functions and sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the device's web-based management interface, which is typically used by administrators to configure network settings, manage security parameters, and access device-specific information.
The technical nature of this authentication bypass stems from improper input validation and session management within the web application layer of the router's firmware. Attackers can exploit this weakness by directly accessing specific URI endpoints or manipulating request parameters without providing valid credentials. The vulnerability likely involves predictable session identifiers, insufficient authentication checks, or improper validation of user credentials that allows attackers to traverse the authentication flow. This flaw enables unauthorized access to critical configuration parameters that should normally be restricted to authenticated administrators only. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete visibility into the device's configuration and network credentials, effectively compromising the entire network security infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it exposes critical network information that attackers can leverage to conduct further attacks against the network and its users. The stolen information includes the Wi-Fi password, which immediately allows attackers to gain wireless network access and potentially move laterally within the network. Additionally, if the device is configured for VoIP services, the phone number information may be exposed, providing attackers with additional attack surface for social engineering or targeted attacks. This vulnerability essentially transforms the router from a security gateway into a potential entry point for broader network compromise, as attackers can use the exposed credentials to establish persistent access or launch more sophisticated attacks against connected devices. The exposure of these credentials creates a persistent threat that can be exploited long after the initial compromise occurs.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from D-Link to address the authentication bypass vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches to correct the issue. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate affected devices from critical network segments, while strong network monitoring should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts. Access controls should be reviewed and strengthened, with the implementation of multi-factor authentication where possible. Security teams should also conduct thorough network scans to identify all affected devices and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a significant risk under the ATT&CK framework category of T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. Regular security assessments should be performed to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network devices, as this type of authentication bypass flaw is commonly found in embedded systems and network appliances that lack proper security hardening measures.