CVE-2022-36588 in DAP1650
Summary
by MITRE • 09/08/2022
In D-Link DAP1650 v1.04 firmware, the fileaccess.cgi program in the firmware has a buffer overflow vulnerability caused by strncpy.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-36588 resides within the D-Link DAP1650 wireless access point firmware version 1.04, specifically within the fileaccess.cgi component. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from improper input validation and memory management practices. The vulnerability manifests through the use of the strncpy function, which while designed to prevent buffer overflows by limiting the number of characters copied, becomes ineffective when not properly constrained or when the source data exceeds the intended buffer boundaries. The fileaccess.cgi program serves as a critical interface for file operations within the device's web-based management system, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to the device's file system and underlying operating environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where the strncpy function fails to adequately protect against memory corruption. When user-supplied input is processed through this function without proper boundary checks, an attacker can potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations in the program's stack or heap. This flaw operates under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the device's web interface functionality, where file access operations are handled through the CGI program, creating an attack surface that could be exploited by remote unauthenticated users. The use of strncpy in this context indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of how the function operates, as strncpy does not automatically null-terminate strings when the source length equals the specified maximum length, potentially leaving the buffer in an inconsistent state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service or data corruption, as it provides potential attackers with a pathway to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized control over the device. Remote exploitation of this flaw could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the device, potentially leading to complete compromise of the wireless access point and the network it serves. The D-Link DAP1650 device operates as a critical network infrastructure component, and its compromise could result in unauthorized network access, data interception, or as a foothold for further attacks within the network perimeter. The vulnerability affects the device's administrative interface, which is typically accessible over HTTP or HTTPS protocols, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring physical access or authentication credentials. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries leverage command and control channels to execute malicious code, and T1078, which involves legitimate credentials to gain access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36588 must prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks and consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when not actively required for administration. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual requests to the fileaccess.cgi endpoint. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices, as highlighted in the OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks that emphasize the need for robust boundary checking in all user input processing. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify exploitation attempts targeting known CGI buffer overflow vulnerabilities, as these patterns are well-documented in security databases and can be effectively detected through signature-based monitoring approaches. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of network infrastructure components should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other network devices that may be using similar programming patterns and functions.