CVE-2022-32092 in DIR-645
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2022
D-Link DIR-645 v1.03 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the QUERY_STRING parameter at __ajax_explorer.sgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2022
The D-Link DIR-645 router running firmware version 1.03 contains a critical command injection vulnerability that resides within the web interface component at the __ajax_explorer.sgi endpoint. This vulnerability specifically targets the QUERY_STRING parameter which is processed without adequate sanitization or input validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands into the underlying operating system. The affected device operates on a Linux-based embedded system where the web server processes user-supplied parameters directly without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms, making it susceptible to exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests as a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. When an attacker crafts a malicious QUERY_STRING parameter containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, the system executes these commands with the privileges of the web server process. This vulnerability represents a significant security risk because the web interface typically runs with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to execute system commands with root-level access. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the web application's request processing logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables full system compromise and persistent backdoor establishment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the router's functionality, including the ability to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, create unauthorized network connections, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects not only the router's administrative functions but also its core networking capabilities, potentially disrupting network services or creating unauthorized access points. Additionally, the compromised device could be used for larger-scale attacks such as botnet recruitment, denial of service attacks, or as a staging point for further network penetration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the manufacturer has likely released patches addressing this specific issue. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of such devices to untrusted networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting access to the web interface to authorized personnel only, and implementing multi-factor authentication where possible. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual traffic patterns or command execution attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists to prevent unauthorized access to administrative ports and services, and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other network infrastructure components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, demonstrating how web application vulnerabilities can lead to system compromise through command injection attacks.