CVE-2023-44409 in DAP-1325
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
D-Link DAP-1325 SetSetupWizardStatus Enabled 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-18838.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2025
The CVE-2023-44409 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in D-Link DAP-1325 wireless routers that exposes systems to remote code execution without requiring authentication. This vulnerability resides within the HNAP1 SOAP endpoint implementation, specifically in how the device processes XML data submitted through the SetSetupWizardStatus function. 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 an exploitable condition that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern where maliciously crafted XML payloads can exceed the allocated buffer space and overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses and function pointers. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when data is copied to a stack buffer without proper bounds checking. The attack vector requires only network adjacency, meaning that an attacker positioned within the same network segment as the vulnerable device can exploit this weakness without needing credentials or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network segmentation may be inadequate.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as successful exploitation grants attackers root-level privileges on the affected router. This elevated access enables comprehensive system compromise including but not limited to network traffic interception, DNS hijacking, port forwarding modifications, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit it from any device within the same broadcast domain, potentially allowing for widespread network compromise and persistent access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1566.001 Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers can leverage the compromised device to conduct further reconnaissance and lateral movement activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-44409 should include immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the underlying buffer overflow condition, network segmentation to isolate critical devices, and implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious XML traffic patterns. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary services and ports, implementing strict firewall rules to limit access to the HNAP1 endpoint, and conducting thorough network scans to identify all affected devices. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates urgent remediation as it provides attackers with complete system control and represents a significant risk to network security infrastructure. Security teams must prioritize patching efforts and implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual XML data submissions to the router's SOAP endpoints that could indicate active exploitation attempts.