CVE-2023-24331 in DIR-816
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2024
Command Injection vulnerability in D-Link Dir 816 with firmware version DIR-816_A2_v1.10CNB04 allows attackers to run arbitrary commands via the urlAdd parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
The CVE-2023-24331 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw discovered in D-Link DIR-816 routers running firmware version DIR-816_A2_v1.10CNB04. This vulnerability resides within the web interface of the router's administrative system, specifically targeting the urlAdd parameter handling mechanism. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the router's web application, allowing maliciously crafted payloads to be interpreted and executed as system commands. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the router's web interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the urlAdd parameter in HTTP requests sent to the router's administrative web interface. When an attacker submits a specially crafted request containing malicious command sequences within the urlAdd parameter, the router fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing it. This allows attackers to inject operating system commands that are subsequently executed by the underlying system shell. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution (RCE) flaw, which is particularly dangerous as it can be exploited over the network without requiring physical access to the device. The impacted device executes commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with administrative privileges on the router's operating system. This privilege escalation capability significantly amplifies the potential damage that can be achieved through exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-24331 extends beyond simple command execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to the router's configuration settings, enabling attackers to modify network parameters, create backdoors, or establish persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability can also be leveraged to redirect network traffic, enable port forwarding, or disable security features such as firewall rules. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through the web interface. The compromised router can serve as a pivot point for attacking other devices within the local network, potentially enabling lateral movement and broader network infiltration. Additionally, the device may be used to launch attacks against external targets, turning the compromised router into a botnet node or a proxy server for malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific flaw. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces and restrict direct internet access to router management ports. The implementation of web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests containing command injection patterns. Regular security audits and network monitoring should be conducted to identify potential exploitation attempts. Access controls should be strengthened through the use of strong authentication mechanisms and the restriction of administrative access to trusted network segments only. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists that limit which external IP addresses can reach the router's administrative interface. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001, which emphasize the need for regular vulnerability assessments and prompt remediation of identified security flaws. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust input validation mechanisms in network infrastructure devices.