CVE-2023-41208 in DAP-1325
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
D-Link DAP-1325 SetHostIPv6StaticSettings StaticDefaultGateway 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-18834.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The CVE-2023-41208 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 specifically targets the SetHostIPv6StaticSettings functionality within the router's HNAP1 SOAP endpoint implementation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers who are merely network-adjacent to the affected device. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the length of user-supplied XML data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer, creating a classic buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged for privilege escalation to root level access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when data is copied into a stack buffer without proper bounds checking, allowing the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The HNAP1 SOAP endpoint serves as the attack surface where malicious XML payloads containing oversized IPv6 static settings data can trigger the buffer overflow condition. This endpoint typically handles various router configuration operations and is exposed to network traffic, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise router firmware. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access or prior authentication credentials to leverage the flaw, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential impact.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, effectively providing them with complete control over the router's operating system and all connected network services. This level of access enables attackers to modify router configurations, redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw with no authentication requirements makes it particularly concerning for enterprise and home network environments where D-Link DAP-1325 devices may be exposed to untrusted network traffic.
Security mitigations for CVE-2023-41208 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the underlying buffer overflow condition in the HNAP1 SOAP endpoint implementation. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit network-adjacent access to affected devices, including firewall rules that restrict SOAP endpoint access to trusted sources only. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as attackers may leverage the compromised system to execute malicious scripts or commands, and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, since the buffer overflow enables privilege escalation to root level access. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual SOAP endpoint traffic patterns and XML data payloads that may indicate exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other network device firmware components.