CVE-2023-41206 in DAP-1325
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
D-Link DAP-1325 SetHostIPv6Settings IPv6Mode 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-18832.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The CVE-2023-41206 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in D-Link DAP-1325 wireless routers that exposes a remote code execution vector with severe operational implications. This vulnerability resides within the SetHostIPv6Settings function of the router's HNAP1 SOAP endpoint implementation, specifically targeting the IPv6Mode parameter handling. The flaw manifests when the device processes XML data containing user-supplied input without adequate length validation before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by attackers without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient input validation permits data to exceed the allocated buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory locations. The HNAP1 SOAP endpoint serves as the primary interface for remote management operations within the router's web-based administration system, making it a prime target for exploitation. Attackers can craft malicious XML payloads containing oversized IPv6Mode values that trigger the buffer overflow condition when processed by the vulnerable firmware. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow can overwrite return addresses and other critical execution context information, potentially allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise, as exploitation can occur with root-level privileges. This means that successful exploitation would grant attackers full administrative control over the affected router, enabling them to modify network configurations, establish persistent backdoors, intercept network traffic, or use the device as a launching point for further attacks within the local network. The vulnerability's accessibility through the network-adjacent attack vector eliminates the need for physical access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and residential deployments where routers are often exposed to untrusted network segments. The ZDI-CAN-18832 identifier confirms this vulnerability's recognition within the cybersecurity community as a significant threat requiring immediate attention.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates from D-Link to address the root cause of the buffer overflow condition, network segmentation to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, and monitoring for suspicious HNAP1 SOAP endpoint traffic patterns. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary remote management features and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in embedded systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1021.001 for Remote Services, as attackers could leverage the compromised router for lateral movement and command execution within network environments.