CVE-2023-44404 in DAP-1325
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
D-Link DAP-1325 get_value_from_app 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-18823.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The CVE-2023-44404 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 router's HNAP1 SOAP endpoint implementation, specifically in the get_value_from_app function that processes XML data. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer, creating a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that no authentication is required to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for network-adjacent attackers who can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to affected devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow conditions and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. When an attacker sends specially crafted XML data to the vulnerable HNAP1 endpoint, the system fails to validate the input length against the predetermined buffer size, allowing the malicious payload to overwrite adjacent stack memory. This overflow can be carefully crafted to overwrite return addresses and function pointers, enabling attackers to redirect execution flow and inject arbitrary code. The vulnerability specifically targets the root context of the router's operating system, as demonstrated by the ability to execute code with elevated privileges, making it a highly attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to network infrastructure. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the attack surface is limited to the specific function call stack where the buffer overflow occurs, but the impact remains severe due to the elevated privileges of the affected service.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-44404 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete network compromise and persistent access capabilities for threat actors. Once exploited, attackers can establish backdoors, modify router configurations, redirect network traffic, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without authentication creates a significant risk for organizations with exposed router management interfaces, as attackers can potentially compromise entire network segments through a single vulnerable device. This weakness directly violates security principles of least privilege and defense in depth, as it allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely. The ZDI-CAN-18823 reference indicates that this vulnerability was previously identified and tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its recognition within the cybersecurity community as a serious threat requiring immediate attention and remediation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate vulnerable routers from critical network segments, disabling unnecessary services such as the HNAP1 SOAP endpoint when not required, and applying firmware updates from D-Link as soon as available. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual XML traffic patterns targeting the HNAP1 endpoint, while access control lists should be configured to restrict access to router management interfaces to trusted IP addresses only. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching. Additionally, organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable D-Link devices within their network infrastructure and consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to identify exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include not only applying vendor patches but also conducting thorough security audits of network device configurations to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other services or applications within the router's attack surface.