CVE-2025-11097 in DIR-823X
Summary
by MITRE • 09/28/2025
A vulnerability has been found in D-Link DIR-823X 250416. Impacted is an unknown function of the file /goform/set_device_name. The manipulation of the argument mac leads to command injection. The attack is possible to be carried out remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-11097 affects the D-Link DIR-823X 250416 router model and represents a critical command injection flaw within the device management interface. This issue resides in the /goform/set_device_name endpoint where the mac argument parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary commands into the system through the manipulation of the mac parameter, creating a significant security risk for affected networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that malicious actors can leverage this weakness from outside the local network without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the router's web interface form processing functionality. When the mac argument is submitted through the set_device_name form, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into system commands or shell executions. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable commands by the underlying operating system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and improper validation of critical data respectively, which are fundamental security weaknesses that enable arbitrary code execution. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized network access.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution as it enables attackers to gain persistent access to the network infrastructure. Once exploited, the attacker can manipulate network configurations, redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The public disclosure of this exploit increases the likelihood of widespread exploitation and makes it a target for automated attacks. The vulnerability affects the router's core functionality and network security posture, potentially allowing attackers to bypass firewall rules, modify DNS settings, or disable security features. Organizations using affected D-Link DIR-823X devices should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate attention and remediation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the exploit can be delivered through standard web browser interactions, making it accessible to threat actors with minimal technical expertise.
Recommended mitigations include immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the command injection vulnerability, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and implementation of network monitoring to detect suspicious command execution patterns. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strict access controls, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) as potential attack vectors. Organizations should also implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address potential compromise. Regular security audits and network vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network devices and prevent further exploitation attempts.