CVE-2023-35741 in DAP-2622
Summary
by MITRE • 05/04/2024
D-Link DAP-2622 DDP Configuration Backup Filename 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-20068.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2025
The CVE-2023-35741 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in D-Link DAP-2622 wireless access point devices that operates within the DDP (D-Link Device Protocol) service. This vulnerability resides in the configuration backup functionality where the system fails to properly validate the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a fixed-length stack buffer. The absence of input validation creates a condition where an attacker can overflow the buffer and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control registers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when data is copied into a stack buffer without proper bounds checking. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it accessible to network-adjacent attackers who can exploit it from the local network segment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the DDP service processes backup filename parameters during configuration backup operations. When an attacker sends a specially crafted packet containing an excessively long filename string, the system copies this data directly into a stack buffer without verifying that the input length exceeds the buffer capacity. This flaw enables attackers to overwrite the stack frame, potentially corrupting the instruction pointer and redirecting execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability specifically affects the root context of the device, meaning successful exploitation would grant full administrative privileges and complete control over the router's operations. This remote code execution capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation. The attack surface is significantly expanded because the vulnerability requires no authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors who can leverage it for persistent access to network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-35741 extends beyond simple remote code execution to potentially compromise entire network segments that rely on D-Link DAP-2622 devices. Once an attacker gains root-level access to the device, they can manipulate network traffic, redirect DNS queries, install backdoors, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability's accessibility means that even unauthenticated attackers with network access can exploit it, significantly increasing the attack surface for organizations. Network segmentation becomes ineffective against this threat since the device itself serves as a potential gateway for lateral movement. Organizations using these devices face the risk of complete network compromise, data exfiltration, and potential use as a command and control server for distributed attacks. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for critical infrastructure deployments where D-Link devices may be used in industrial control systems or healthcare environments where network reliability and security are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-35741 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules that limit access to these devices to only authorized personnel and systems. The principle of least privilege should be applied by restricting DDP service access to necessary network segments and implementing network access control lists that prevent unauthorized communication with the affected device. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns or malformed packets that could indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on known attack signatures related to this vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other network equipment, as this vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create critical security weaknesses. Organizations should also maintain detailed network asset inventories to quickly identify and remediate all instances of affected D-Link devices across their infrastructure.