CVE-2023-44833 in DIR-823G
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
D-Link DIR-823G A1V1.0.2B05 was discovered to contain a buffer overflow via the GuardInt parameter in the SetWLanRadioSettings function. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via a crafted input.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-44833 affects the D-Link DIR-823G A1V1.0.2B05 wireless router model, representing a critical buffer overflow flaw within the device's web interface management functions. This issue resides in the SetWLanRadioSettings function where the GuardInt parameter fails to properly validate input length, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The affected device operates with a web-based administration interface that processes user inputs through HTTP requests, making it accessible to attackers without requiring physical access or authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where the GuardInt parameter lacks proper input sanitization and length validation mechanisms. When an attacker submits a malformed input string exceeding the allocated buffer space, the application fails to handle the overflow gracefully, resulting in unpredictable behavior including application crashes and system instability. The DoS condition occurs because the buffer overflow corrupts the program's execution flow, potentially leading to complete system reboot or unresponsiveness of the router's management interface. This vulnerability specifically targets the wireless LAN radio settings configuration functionality, indicating that attackers could potentially disrupt network operations while maintaining persistent access to the device's administrative interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-44833 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it provides attackers with a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the network perimeter. The vulnerability enables an attacker to remotely trigger a denial of service condition that can render the wireless router completely inoperable, effectively cutting off network connectivity for all devices connected to the affected access point. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network disruption through denial of service attacks, and T1566.002, which covers spearphishing with social engineering elements that could be used to deliver exploit payloads. The affected device represents a common target in IoT-based attacks, as wireless routers often serve as primary entry points for network infiltration and can provide attackers with privileged access to internal network resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the buffer overflow condition in the web interface handling code. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of such devices to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and bounds checking in embedded systems, as recommended by OWASP Top Ten Project guidelines for secure coding practices. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious requests targeting this specific parameter, while regular security assessments of network infrastructure should include testing for similar buffer overflow conditions in other network devices and firmware versions. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that minimize the attack surface of critical network infrastructure devices.