CVE-2022-28896 in DIR-882
Summary
by MITRE • 05/10/2022
A command injection vulnerability in the component /setnetworksettings/SubnetMask of D-Link DIR882 DIR882A1_FW130B06 allows attackers to escalate privileges to root via a crafted payload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2022
The command injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28896 resides within the D-Link DIR882 wireless router firmware, specifically targeting the /setnetworksettings/SubnetMask component. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on affected devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web interface handling of network settings parameters. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit this weakness to inject and execute system commands directly on the router, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and gaining complete administrative control over the device. The affected firmware version DIR882A1_FW130B06 demonstrates a lack of proper parameter filtering and command execution handling that creates an exploitable path for remote code execution. This issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete network compromise. Once attackers gain root access through this command injection flaw, they can modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious firmware, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to initiate the attack, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and home network environments. Network administrators face the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive network infrastructure, potential data exfiltration, and the possibility of these devices being used as part of larger attack campaigns. The attack surface includes not only the router itself but also any connected devices that trust the compromised network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28896 must prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the underlying command injection flaw. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied parameters in web applications and network device interfaces. Security measures should include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strict access controls, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network infrastructure. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting known router vulnerabilities. The affected D-Link models require firmware updates to address the improper handling of network settings parameters, particularly in the subnet mask configuration component. Additional protective measures include network access control lists, regular security audits, and maintaining detailed logs of network configuration changes to detect unauthorized modifications. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for secure coding practices in embedded systems and the importance of regular security testing for network infrastructure devices to prevent similar command injection flaws from being exploited in the future.