CVE-2023-33735 in DIR-846
Summary
by MITRE • 05/31/2023
D-Link DIR-846 v1.00A52 was discovered to contain a remote command execution (RCE) vulnerability via the tomography_ping_address parameter in the /HNAP1 interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2025
The D-Link DIR-846 router model running firmware version 1.00A52 presents a critical remote command execution vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device without authentication. This vulnerability resides within the HNAP1 interface, which is a web-based management protocol commonly used by network devices for remote administration and configuration. The specific flaw manifests through the tomography_ping_address parameter, which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before processing. This parameter is designed to accept network addresses for ping operations but becomes a vector for malicious command injection when improperly handled.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic command injection pattern where attacker-controlled input is directly incorporated into system commands without adequate sanitization. When an attacker submits malicious input through the tomography_ping_address parameter, the device processes this input as part of a system call, potentially allowing execution of arbitrary shell commands with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, representing command injection flaws that enable unauthorized code execution on the target system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates through the HNAP1 interface, which typically requires no authentication for certain operations, making the vulnerability accessible to remote attackers without prior credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain persistent access to the router's operating system, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish backdoor access points for further attacks. The vulnerability affects not only the device itself but also the entire network infrastructure it manages, as routers serve as critical gateways and often contain sensitive network information. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could leverage the compromised device to launch further network reconnaissance or lateral movement attacks. The affected device's position as a network gateway makes it an attractive target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to corporate or residential networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the command injection flaw in the HNAP1 interface. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate critical devices and monitor for suspicious traffic patterns originating from the affected router. Access control measures including disabling unused services, implementing strong firewall rules, and restricting access to the HNAP1 interface to trusted IP addresses can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and sanitization practices in web application development, emphasizing the need for proper parameter handling in network device management interfaces. Organizations should conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable devices and implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous command execution patterns. Additionally, implementing network access control lists and disabling unnecessary administrative interfaces can significantly reduce the attack surface for similar vulnerabilities.