CVE-2023-41195 in DAP-1325
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
D-Link DAP-1325 HNAP SetHostIPv6Settings IPv6Mode Command Injection Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of D-Link DAP-1325 routers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the handling of a request parameter provided to the HNAP1 SOAP endpoint. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it to execute a system call. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-18815.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The CVE-2023-41195 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in D-Link DAP-1325 wireless routers that exposes a remote code execution vector through the HNAP (Home Network Administration Protocol) interface. This vulnerability resides within the SetHostIPv6Settings function of the HNAP1 SOAP endpoint, where the device fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into system commands. The flaw specifically affects the IPv6Mode parameter, which when manipulated by an attacker can trigger unauthorized command execution on the affected device. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any network-adjacent attacker who can reach the router's management interface. The root cause of this issue aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, which address command injection and code injection vulnerabilities respectively, where insufficient input validation leads to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper input validation flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious commands into system calls, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain root-level privileges on the affected router, enabling them to manipulate network configurations, redirect traffic, install backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The HNAP protocol serves as a legitimate interface for managing router settings, but the lack of input sanitization creates a dangerous attack surface where malicious payloads can be executed with the highest system privileges. This vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate administrative interface into a weaponized entry point, allowing attackers to escalate their privileges from network access to full system control without requiring any authentication credentials. The implications for network security are severe as compromised routers can serve as persistent footholds for attackers, enabling long-term surveillance, data exfiltration, or lateral movement throughout the network infrastructure.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how improper input validation in network management protocols can lead to complete system compromise. The ZDI-CAN-18815 reference indicates this vulnerability was identified and tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community. Organizations using D-Link DAP-1325 devices should immediately implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, disable unnecessary services, and apply firmware updates as soon as they become available from D-Link. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, as it enables attackers to execute commands with elevated privileges. Additional mitigations include implementing network access controls to restrict access to the router's management interface, monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network infrastructure. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in network device firmware development, as proper sanitization of user inputs could have prevented this critical security flaw from existing in the first place.