CVE-2023-35728 in DAP-2622
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
D-Link DAP-2622 DDP Reboot Auth Password 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-2622 routers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the DDP service. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of 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-20055.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2025
The CVE-2023-35728 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in D-Link DAP-2622 wireless access point devices that enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. This vulnerability specifically affects the DDP (D-Link Device Protocol) service component that handles network communications and administrative functions. The flaw resides in how the system processes user-supplied data during authentication and configuration operations, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network-adjacent attack surface, meaning any device within the same network segment can exploit this flaw without requiring prior authentication credentials, making it highly accessible to threat actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the DDP service's handling of password-related parameters. When the system receives user-supplied data for authentication or password configuration, it fails to properly validate the length of the input before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs when the input exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten with attacker-controlled data. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overwritten memory includes return addresses and other critical execution context information. According to CWE-121, this represents a stack-based buffer overflow where insufficient bounds checking allows arbitrary data to overwrite stack memory, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate program execution flow and execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using D-Link DAP-2622 devices, as it provides attackers with root-level execution capabilities within the affected network infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the router, potentially using it as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the vulnerability enables both network access and privilege elevation. The lack of authentication requirements means that even unauthenticated attackers within the same network segment can compromise these devices, making them attractive targets for insider threat scenarios or network compromise attempts. The vulnerability essentially transforms these network devices from legitimate infrastructure components into potential attack vectors for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-35728 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Organizations must implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface, as the vulnerability can be exploited from adjacent network segments without authentication. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns or authentication attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of network access control lists and firewall rules can help restrict communication with the affected DDP service ports. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network infrastructure components. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for buffer overflow patterns and anomalous behavior in network protocol handling, as these systems can help detect exploitation attempts before they result in complete compromise of the affected devices.