CVE-2024-11062 in DSL6740C
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2024
The D-Link DSL6740C modem has an OS Command Injection vulnerability, allowing remote attackers with administrator privileges to inject and execute arbitrary system commands through a specific functionality provided by SSH and Telnet.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2024
The D-Link DSL6740C modem presents a critical operating system command injection vulnerability that poses significant security risks to network infrastructure. This vulnerability exists within the modem's remote administration interfaces, specifically through SSH and Telnet protocols that are commonly used for system management and configuration. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with administrative credentials to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed with elevated privileges on the underlying operating system. This represents a severe weakness in the device's input validation and command execution mechanisms, as the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing it as part of system commands.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the modem's web interface and remote management services. When administrators or authorized users interact with the device through SSH or Telnet, the system processes user inputs without sufficient sanitization, creating opportunities for command injection attacks. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads that bypass normal input restrictions and execute arbitrary system commands directly on the modem's operating system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level, allowing attackers to gain full control over the device's functionality and potentially use it as a pivot point for broader network attacks. This flaw aligns with CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to manipulate the modem's core functionality and potentially disrupt network services. An attacker with administrative privileges can execute commands that modify network configurations, access sensitive data stored on the device, or establish persistent access points for future exploitation. The vulnerability affects the modem's ability to maintain network security and integrity, potentially allowing attackers to redirect traffic, disable security features, or use the device as a launching point for attacks against other network components. This type of vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges further within the network infrastructure, as modems often serve as critical points of connectivity and control. The threat landscape for such vulnerabilities is particularly concerning given that many organizations rely on these devices for core network operations and may not regularly update firmware or patch known vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the command injection flaw, along with network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces. Organizations should implement strict access controls and disable unnecessary services such as SSH and Telnet where possible, preferring more secure alternatives like encrypted SSH with key-based authentication. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized access attempts to the modem's administrative interfaces. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure devices, as this vulnerability type often appears in legacy systems with insufficient input validation mechanisms. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the firmware update properly addresses the vulnerability without introducing new issues. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing network access controls and firewall rules that restrict access to the modem's management interfaces to only trusted IP addresses and authorized personnel.