CVE-2025-29635

CVE-2025-29635: Command Injection Vulnerability in D-Link DIR-823X

This document outlines the remediation and mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-29635, a command injection vulnerability found in D-Link DIR-823X routers.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • Vulnerability Name: CVE-2025-29635 - Command Injection in D-Link DIR-823X
  • Affected Product: D-Link DIR-823X routers running firmware versions 240126 and 240802.
  • Description: A command injection vulnerability exists in the D-Link DIR-823X router. An authorized attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted POST request to the /goform/set_prohibiting endpoint. This triggers the vulnerable function, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the router’s operating system. This is achieved by injecting malicious commands into the parameters processed by the set_prohibiting function. The router then executes these injected commands with the privileges of the web server process.

2. Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
  • CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H (Based on the information provided)
  • Severity Level: High
  • Impact: Successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain complete control over the vulnerable router. This can lead to:
    • Data Breach: Access to sensitive network information, including usernames, passwords, and network configurations.
    • Malware Installation: Infection of the router with malware, turning it into a botnet node or using it for further attacks.
    • Denial of Service (DoS): Disrupting network services and rendering the router unusable.
    • Lateral Movement: Using the compromised router to attack other devices on the network.

3. Known Exploit:

  • The vulnerability is exploitable via a POST request to the /goform/set_prohibiting endpoint.
  • The specific parameters used to inject the commands are not detailed in the provided information, but it’s understood they are processed by the underlying vulnerable function.
  • The attack requires an authenticated user (i.e., the attacker needs to know the credentials to access the WebUI of the router).

4. Remediation/Mitigation Strategy:

This strategy aims to address the vulnerability and minimize the risk of exploitation.

A. Immediate Actions (Short-Term Mitigation):

  • Network Segmentation: If possible, isolate the D-Link DIR-823X router on a separate network segment to limit the impact of a potential compromise.
  • Restrict Access: Limit access to the router’s web interface (WebUI) to only trusted IP addresses or internal network ranges. This can be achieved through firewall rules. Avoid exposing the WebUI to the public internet.
  • Strong Passwords: Enforce strong and unique passwords for the router’s administrative accounts. Encourage users to change the default password immediately.
  • Disable Remote Management (If Possible): If remote management is not required, disable it to reduce the attack surface.
  • Monitor Network Traffic: Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to detect suspicious activity, such as unusual traffic patterns or attempts to access the /goform/set_prohibiting endpoint. Look for POST requests with unusual parameters.

B. Long-Term Remediation (Preferred Solution):

  • Firmware Update: The primary and most effective solution is to immediately apply the security patch provided by D-Link. Check the D-Link support website (https://support.dlink.com/) for the latest firmware updates for the DIR-823X model. Ensure you are downloading the firmware from a trusted source (i.e., the official D-Link website).
  • Vendor Communication: If a patch is not yet available, contact D-Link support and inquire about the timeline for a security update. Emphasize the severity of the vulnerability and the need for a prompt resolution.
  • Replacement (If No Patch Available): If D-Link does not release a security patch within a reasonable timeframe, consider replacing the affected router with a more secure model from a different vendor.
  • Secure Configuration Review: Review the router’s configuration settings to ensure that all security features are enabled and properly configured. Consult the D-Link documentation for best practices.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Only grant necessary privileges to users accessing the router’s web interface.
  • Input Validation and Sanitization: D-link should implement robust input validation and sanitization on the /goform/set_prohibiting endpoint to prevent command injection attacks. This includes validating the type, length, and format of input parameters, as well as encoding or escaping special characters.

C. Verification:

  • Post-Patch Verification: After applying the firmware update, verify that the vulnerability has been successfully patched by re-attempting the exploit (in a controlled environment) or by using a vulnerability scanner.
  • Security Audits: Regularly conduct security audits of the router’s configuration and firmware to identify any potential vulnerabilities.

5. Communication:

  • Internal Communication: Inform all relevant personnel (e.g., IT administrators, network engineers, security team) about the vulnerability and the remediation/mitigation plan.
  • User Awareness: Educate users about the importance of strong passwords and the risks associated with accessing untrusted websites or opening suspicious attachments.

6. Revision History:

  • Version 1.0 (2025-03-26): Initial draft.

Disclaimer: This remediation strategy is based on the information provided and general security best practices. The specific steps required to address the vulnerability may vary depending on the network environment and the capabilities of the D-Link DIR-823X router. Always consult the D-Link documentation and seek expert advice when implementing security measures.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-25 00:00:00
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-25 15:15:25

More Details

CVE-2025-29635