CVE-2023-32136 in DAP-1360
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
D-Link DAP-1360 webproc var:menu Stack-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of D-Link DAP-1360 routers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the handling requests to the /cgi-bin/webproc endpoint. When parsing the var:menu parameter, the process does not properly validate the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. . Was ZDI-CAN-18414.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2025
The CVE-2023-32136 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in D-Link DAP-1360 wireless routers that exposes a remote code execution capability without requiring authentication. This vulnerability resides within the webproc component of the device's web interface and specifically targets the /cgi-bin/webproc endpoint. The flaw manifests when the system processes requests containing the var:menu parameter, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to overflow a fixed-size stack buffer with malicious data. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a serious weakness in software design that can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation would enable arbitrary code execution on the affected device.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to send a specially crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable router's web interface, specifically targeting the /cgi-bin/webproc endpoint with a malformed var:menu parameter. The buffer overflow occurs when user-supplied data exceeds the allocated stack buffer size, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code. Since the DAP-1360 router's web interface operates on the network layer and does not require authentication for this specific endpoint, an attacker positioned within the router's network adjacency can exploit the vulnerability remotely. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a payload that overflows the stack buffer and redirects program execution to malicious code, which would run with the highest privileges available on the device. The root context execution capability indicates that successful exploitation would provide complete administrative control over the router's functions and potentially the entire network segment it serves.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-32136 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over the affected network infrastructure. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to modify router configurations, intercept network traffic, create backdoors, and potentially pivot to other devices within the network. The lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise and home networks, as it can be exploited by anyone with network access to the router's subnet. Organizations using D-Link DAP-1360 devices face significant risks including data breaches, man-in-the-middle attacks, and network disruption. The vulnerability's exposure of the root execution context means that attackers could install persistent malware, modify firewall rules, and compromise the integrity of all network communications passing through the affected device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-32136 should include immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the buffer overflow vulnerability, as well as network segmentation to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the /cgi-bin/webproc endpoint. Access control measures such as disabling unnecessary web interfaces, restricting access to the router's management interface, and implementing strong authentication for administrative functions should be enforced. Network administrators should also consider disabling the vulnerable webproc functionality entirely if it is not required for operations, and deploy intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any other potentially affected devices within the network infrastructure, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in other D-Link products or related firmware components.