CVE-2023-44837 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 Password parameter in the SetWanSettings function. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via a crafted input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-44837 affects the D-Link DIR-823G A1V1.0.2B05 router model and represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the SetWanSettings function. This flaw specifically manifests when processing the Password parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to disrupt normal device operations. The vulnerability resides in the firmware implementation of the router's web interface management functions, where insufficient input validation permits maliciously crafted data to exceed allocated buffer boundaries. The affected device operates under the assumption that all incoming parameters will conform to expected length and format constraints, failing to implement proper bounds checking mechanisms that are essential for preventing such memory corruption scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow vulnerability enables attackers to craft specifically formatted input data that triggers memory corruption within the router's processing stack. When the Password parameter exceeds the allocated buffer space, it overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program state information or execution pointers. This memory corruption typically results in immediate application termination or system instability, manifesting as a denial of service condition that renders the affected router inaccessible to legitimate users. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a fundamental weakness in the device's input handling architecture that could potentially be chained with other exploits to achieve more sophisticated attack objectives.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations and individuals relying on D-Link DIR-823G routers for network connectivity. The remote exploitability means that attackers can target these devices from outside the local network without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials. The denial of service condition effectively compromises network availability, potentially disrupting critical business operations or personal connectivity services. Network administrators may face challenges in identifying compromised devices since the DoS condition typically results in the device becoming unresponsive rather than exhibiting clear error messages or logging entries that would indicate malicious activity.
Security professionals should note this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in network device firmware. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1210 technique for exploitation of remote services, as it allows for remote code execution through service manipulation. Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation efforts including firmware updates from D-Link, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in embedded networking equipment, as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for embedded systems security.