CVE-2024-44341 in DIR-846W A1
Summary
by MITRE • 08/27/2024
D-Link DIR-846W A1 FW100A43 was discovered to contain a remote command execution (RCE) vulnerability via the lan(0)_dhcps_staticlist parameter. This vulnerability is exploited via a crafted POST request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The D-Link DIR-846W A1 firmware version 100A43 contains a critical remote command execution vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for networked devices. This vulnerability exists within the web-based management interface of the router and specifically affects the lan0_dhcps_staticlist parameter handling. The flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device remotely, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized network access. The vulnerability was identified through security research and demonstrates a dangerous weakness in the firmware's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied parameters are not properly sanitized before being processed by the underlying system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted POST request that targets the lan0_dhcps_staticlist parameter within the device's web interface. When the router processes this parameter without adequate sanitization, it becomes susceptible to command injection attacks that can execute arbitrary shell commands with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 attack pattern, specifically representing a command injection flaw where attacker-controlled data is passed directly to system execution functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote execution without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the device's network interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete network compromise and potential data exfiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain root access to the router, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malware, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The compromised device may also serve as a persistent backdoor for future attacks, allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to the network. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1021.001 Remote Services SSH and T1021.004 Remote Services Remote Desktop Protocol, as the compromised device can be used for lateral movement and remote access operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the command injection flaw, network segmentation to limit access to critical devices, and implementation of network monitoring to detect suspicious POST requests targeting the affected parameter. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces and implementing firewall rules that restrict access to the router's administrative ports. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other network equipment, as this type of command injection vulnerability remains a prevalent threat in embedded systems and network devices.