CVE-2021-46232 in DI-7200G
Summary
by MITRE • 02/04/2022
D-Link device DI-7200GV2.E1 v21.04.09E1 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability in the function version_upgrade.asp. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-46232 affects D-Link DI-7200GV2.E1 routers running firmware version 21.04.09E1 and represents a critical command injection flaw within the web interface management functionality. This issue resides in the version_upgrade.asp component which handles firmware update operations, creating an attack vector that allows remote code execution through improper input validation. The vulnerability specifically targets the path parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation, enabling attackers to inject malicious commands that will be executed within the context of the router's operating system.
From a technical perspective, this command injection vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in commands. The flaw occurs when user-supplied input from the path parameter is directly incorporated into system commands without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads that, when submitted through the affected web interface, will be interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows full administrative control over the device, potentially enabling attackers to modify firmware, access network traffic, or establish persistent backdoors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector for network compromise. An attacker with access to the router's web interface can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over the device, potentially using it as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the router's firmware upgrade functionality, making it particularly insidious since legitimate users may unknowingly trigger the injection during routine firmware updates. This creates a scenario where the attack surface is expanded beyond just external network access to include legitimate administrative operations, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-46232 should prioritize 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 restrict access to the router's administrative interface, limiting potential attack vectors. Organizations should also deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls can help filter malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly when dealing with system-level operations, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices in network infrastructure devices.