CVE-2022-28932 in DSL-G2452DG
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2022
D-Link DSL-G2452DG HW:T1\\tFW:ME_2.00 was discovered to contain insecure permissions.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28932 affects D-Link DSL-G2452DG broadband routers with hardware version T1 and firmware version ME_2.00. This issue stems from insecure file permissions within the device's operating system, creating a critical security weakness that could be exploited by unauthorized users. The affected device operates as a consumer-grade router that typically serves as a gateway between home networks and the internet, making it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure. The insecure permissions allow attackers to potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, and administrative interfaces that should remain protected from general user access.
The technical flaw manifests through improper permission settings on critical system files and directories within the router's file system. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-732 category of Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, which directly relates to the improper assignment of file permissions that should be restricted to authorized administrative users only. The router's firmware appears to grant excessive read, write, or execute permissions to files that contain sensitive configuration information, system binaries, or administrative scripts. Attackers could leverage these insecure permissions to modify system files, extract configuration data, or potentially escalate privileges within the device's operating environment. The vulnerability represents a fundamental breakdown in the device's access control mechanisms, allowing unauthorized parties to bypass normal security boundaries that should protect the router's core functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates multiple attack vectors for threat actors seeking to compromise the affected network infrastructure. An attacker with access to the insecure permissions could potentially modify the router's configuration to redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or disable security features entirely. This weakness could enable man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, or the establishment of persistent access points within the network. The implications are particularly severe for home users who may not regularly update their router firmware or monitor for security issues, as the vulnerability remains unpatched in the affected firmware version. The compromised device could serve as a launching point for broader network attacks, potentially affecting multiple devices connected to the same router, and could provide attackers with insights into the network topology and security configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28932 should focus on immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the vendor would have likely released patches addressing the insecure permission settings. Network administrators and users should verify that their routers are running the latest firmware version and enable automatic update features when available. The implementation of network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the damage if the vulnerability is exploited, while monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns can help detect potential compromise. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their network infrastructure to identify similar permission issues across all devices, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under privilege escalation techniques, where attackers exploit weak access controls to gain elevated system privileges, making it essential for security teams to monitor for such indicators of compromise and implement proper network hygiene practices.