CVE-2023-4542 in DAR-8000-10
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2023
A vulnerability was found in D-Link DAR-8000-10 up to 20230809. It has been classified as critical. This affects an unknown part of the file /app/sys1.php. The manipulation of the argument cmd with the input id leads to os command injection. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-238047. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4542 represents a critical operating system command injection flaw in D-Link DAR-8000-10 wireless routers with firmware versions up to 20230809. This security weakness resides within the /app/sys1.php file, which processes user-supplied input without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The specific vector involves the cmd parameter where an attacker can inject malicious operating system commands through the id argument, creating a severe pathway for unauthorized system access and control. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its potential for remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where such devices are commonly deployed.
The technical implementation of this command injection flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the affected device with the privileges of the web application process. This typically occurs when user input flows directly into system command execution contexts without proper input validation, filtering, or escaping mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's public disclosure status and availability of exploit code further amplifies the risk, as it provides threat actors with readily available tools to target affected deployments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate network traffic, modify device configurations, or use the compromised router as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 and CWE-88 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is used in system command execution contexts. The attack pattern aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services, as attackers can leverage the compromised device to establish persistent access or conduct further reconnaissance.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from D-Link if available, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and firewall rules to restrict access to the affected router interfaces. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts creates additional operational risk, as it suggests potential delays in patch development or deployment. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts in network logs and consider implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential command injection patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied parameters that may be passed to system-level functions.