CVE-2024-33342 in DIR-822+
Summary
by MITRE • 04/26/2024
D-Link DIR-822+ V1.0.5 was found to contain a command injection in SetPlcNetworkpwd function of prog.cgi, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-33342 affects D-Link DIR-822+ routers running firmware version 1.0.5, representing a critical command injection flaw within the device's web interface management functionality. This vulnerability resides in the SetPlcNetworkpwd function of the prog.cgi script, which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable entry point for remote attackers. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands on the affected device, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the prog.cgi script, specifically in how it handles parameters passed to the SetPlcNetworkpwd function. When a user submits network password settings through the web interface, the system fails to properly sanitize the input data before incorporating it into shell commands. This classic command injection vulnerability falls under CWE-77, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command. The attack vector is remote and authenticated, meaning an attacker who can access the device's web management interface can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected router's functionality. An attacker could potentially modify network settings, disable security features, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors for future access. The implications are particularly severe for home and small office networks where these devices often serve as the primary gateway to the internet. The vulnerability could enable attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, intercept network traffic, or use the compromised device as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically shell scripting, and T1021.001 for remote services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-33342 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromise, disable unnecessary services, and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly auditing network device configurations. Organizations should also consider disabling remote management features when not actively needed and maintaining up-to-date network monitoring tools to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in network device firmware development, as outlined in industry security standards and best practices for embedded system security.