CVE-2024-33344 in DIR-822+
Summary
by MITRE • 04/26/2024
D-Link DIR-822+ V1.0.5 was found to contain a command injection in ftext function of upload_firmware.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-2024-33344 affects D-Link DIR-822+ routers running firmware version 1.0.5 and potentially other affected models within the DIR-822+ product line. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes the device to remote command execution capabilities, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected network infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically resides within the upload_firmware.cgi web interface component, which handles firmware upload operations for the router's management system. The flaw manifests in the ftext function where input validation and sanitization mechanisms fail to properly handle user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious command injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the firmware upload process. When a user uploads a firmware file through the web interface, the system processes the uploaded content through the ftext function without sufficient sanitization of the data. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed within the context of the router's operating system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the router's web server functionality to process user input, making it accessible via network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the device. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, specifically representing command injection vulnerabilities that permit arbitrary code execution within the target system's privilege level.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-33344 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete network compromise capabilities. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can potentially gain root-level access to the router, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, establish persistent backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects the router's core management functionality, which means that successful exploitation could lead to complete disruption of network services or unauthorized access to sensitive network resources. This type of attack vector is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where network devices serve as critical infrastructure components, as it could provide attackers with a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1021.001 for remote services, demonstrating how the flaw enables both execution and lateral movement capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the command injection flaw in the upload_firmware.cgi component. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The router's web interface should be restricted to authorized administrative access only, and unnecessary services should be disabled to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems with signatures for known exploitation patterns and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous command execution patterns or unauthorized firmware modifications, as these activities often precede successful exploitation of command injection vulnerabilities.