CVE-2023-41224 in DIR-3040
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
D-Link DIR-3040 prog.cgi SetDeviceSettings Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of D-Link DIR-3040 routers. Authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the prog.cgi binary, which handles HNAP requests made to the lighttpd webserver listening on TCP ports 80 and 443. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before copying it to a fixed-size stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-21650.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2025
The CVE-2023-41224 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the D-Link DIR-3040 router's prog.cgi component, which operates as part of the lighttpd webserver infrastructure. This vulnerability resides within the HNAP (Home Network Administration Protocol) request handling mechanism, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through network-adjacent attackers who can send crafted HTTP requests to the router's web interface. The vulnerability specifically affects TCP ports 80 and 443 where the lighttpd server listens for incoming connections, creating a vector for remote code execution that bypasses typical network segmentation controls.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation within the prog.cgi binary where user-supplied data is directly copied into a fixed-size stack-based buffer without adequate bounds checking. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs when the program fails to verify that incoming data fits within allocated memory boundaries, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which represents one of the most common and dangerous types of buffer overflow vulnerabilities in networked applications. The flaw is particularly severe because it affects a web server component that handles administrative functions, meaning that exploitation can occur through standard web interface interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on affected D-Link DIR-3040 devices. This privilege escalation capability means that once an attacker gains access to the router's administrative interface, they can achieve complete system compromise and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability's remote code execution capability makes it particularly attractive to threat actors as it eliminates the need for physical access or local network presence beyond the initial network-adjacent attack vector. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, demonstrating how the vulnerability can be leveraged for lateral movement and persistent access within compromised networks.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-41224 should focus on immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the vendor has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense-in-depth, including restricting access to the router's web interface to trusted IP addresses only and implementing firewall rules that limit exposure of TCP ports 80 and 443. Regular monitoring of network traffic for suspicious HTTP requests and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary services and features, particularly those that are not required for business operations, as this reduces the attack surface. The vulnerability's requirement for authentication means that strong credential management practices including regular password changes and multi-factor authentication implementation can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, network administrators should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in other network infrastructure devices, as this vulnerability type is commonly found in embedded systems and network appliances.