CVE-2023-41197 in DAP-1325
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
D-Link DAP-1325 HNAP SetHostIPv6StaticSettings StaticDefaultGateway 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-18817.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The CVE-2023-41197 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in D-Link DAP-1325 wireless routers that exposes a remote code execution vector through the Home Network Administration Protocol version 1 endpoint. This vulnerability specifically affects the StaticDefaultGateway parameter within the SetHostIPv6StaticSettings function, creating a dangerous condition where unvalidated user input directly influences system command execution. The flaw exists within the router's web interface processing logic, where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input parameters before incorporating them into system calls. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, representing command injection weaknesses that allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. The 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 attack surface is expanded by the fact that the router's HNAP1 SOAP endpoint is typically exposed to the local network, providing attackers with multiple potential entry points including direct network access or through compromised devices within the same network segment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted request to the HNAP1 endpoint that includes malicious input in the StaticDefaultGateway parameter. When the router processes this request, it fails to validate or sanitize the input string before passing it to a system command execution function, allowing an attacker to inject additional commands that will be executed with the highest privileges available to the web server process. This privilege escalation to root context is possible because the router's web management interface typically runs with elevated permissions to perform network configuration changes. The vulnerability's impact is severe as it enables full system compromise, allowing attackers to gain complete control over the router's functionality, modify network configurations, install malicious software, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it does not require any authentication credentials, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability simply by being on the same network segment as the vulnerable device. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services, as the vulnerability enables both command execution and remote access capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple remote code execution, creating significant risks for network security and integrity. Once exploited, attackers can modify the router's network configuration to redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or disable security features, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the D-Link DAP-1325 model specifically, but similar command injection flaws may exist in other D-Link products that utilize the same HNAP1 processing logic. Organizations with unpatched D-Link routers are at risk of becoming part of larger attack campaigns where compromised devices are used as command and control servers or for lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to maintain long-term access to network infrastructure without requiring additional authentication. Network defenders must consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises, as it represents a significant weakness that can be exploited for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, and as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is not properly enforced, as attackers could exploit it from adjacent network segments or through compromised devices within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-41197 should focus on immediate patching of affected D-Link DAP-1325 routers with firmware updates provided by the vendor. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate critical network infrastructure from general network segments where possible, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. The implementation of network access control lists and firewall rules can help prevent unauthorized access to the router's management interfaces, particularly on the HNAP1 SOAP endpoint. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual traffic patterns or malformed requests to the router's web management interface, as these could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should consider disabling unnecessary services and ports on the affected devices, particularly if the router's web interface is not required for remote management. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar command injection vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure devices. The use of network intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts by monitoring for patterns associated with command injection attacks. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized configuration changes or unusual network behavior can provide early warning of potential exploitation. Security teams should also consider conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other devices that may utilize similar processing logic or protocols. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied data in web applications and network device interfaces, emphasizing the need for robust security practices in embedded systems and network infrastructure components.