CVE-2023-41202 in DAP-1325
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
D-Link DAP-1325 SetAPLanSettings Mode 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-1325 routers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the handling of XML data provided to the HNAP1 SOAP endpoint. 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-18828.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The CVE-2023-41202 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in D-Link DAP-1325 wireless routers that exposes systems to remote code execution without authentication requirements. This vulnerability resides within the HNAP1 SOAP endpoint implementation, specifically in how the device processes XML data submitted through the SetAPLanSettings mode. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly constrain the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by network-adjacent attackers to gain complete system control.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where malicious XML data containing oversized payloads is sent to the affected router's HNAP1 endpoint. The device's insufficient validation allows the oversized data to overflow the designated stack buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect execution flow and inject arbitrary code into the router's operating system. Given that the vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication, it presents a severe risk to network security, as attackers can exploit it from any location with network access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. When successfully exploited, attackers can execute code with root privileges, effectively granting them complete administrative control over the affected router. This level of access enables malicious actors to modify network configurations, establish persistent backdoors, intercept network traffic, and use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the same network segment. The vulnerability's accessibility from network-adjacent attackers means that even devices behind firewalls or network boundaries can be compromised if attackers have access to the local network.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates from D-Link, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns on the HNAP1 endpoint. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Organizations should also consider network access control lists to restrict access to the HNAP1 SOAP endpoint and implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The ZDI-CAN-18828 reference indicates this vulnerability was identified by Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community and the need for prompt remediation across affected deployments.