CVE-2024-57045 in DIR-859 A3
Summary
by MITRE • 02/18/2025
A vulnerability in the D-Link DIR-859 router with firmware version A3 1.05 and earlier permits unauthorized individuals to bypass the authentication. An attacker can obtain a user name and password by forging a post request to the / getcfg.php page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-57045 affects the D-Link DIR-859 router model and represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the device's security posture. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the router's web interface, specifically targeting the /getcfg.php endpoint which is responsible for configuration data retrieval. The vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious POST requests that can bypass the standard authentication mechanisms, effectively granting unauthorized access to the router's administrative functions without proper credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted HTTP POST request to the /getcfg.php page, which is designed to retrieve configuration parameters from the router. The flaw lies in the router's failure to properly validate the authenticity of requests made to this endpoint, enabling attackers to forge requests that appear legitimate to the router's authentication system. This weakness creates a path for unauthorized individuals to extract sensitive information including administrative usernames and passwords, which can then be used to gain full control over the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it accessible to attackers with basic web application knowledge.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-57045 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with complete administrative access to the affected routers. Once authenticated, attackers can modify network configurations, change DNS settings, disable security features, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for credential harvesting. The attack surface is significant as these routers are commonly deployed in residential and small office environments where they serve as the primary gateway to the internet, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to establish persistent access points.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-57045 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the authentication bypass flaw. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential damage from compromised devices, and consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious POST requests to the /getcfg.php endpoint. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strong network access controls, and regularly monitoring router logs for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices and ensure that all network equipment is running the latest firmware versions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms in network devices, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-44 and ISO/IEC 27030 standards for network security.