CVE-2013-10050
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an authenticated OS command injection vulnerability in multiple D-Link router models that allows attackers with valid credentials to execute arbitrary shell commands. Successful exploitation leads to full device compromise, including establishing root access via telnet. Affected devices are end-of-life D-Link routers with specific firmware versions exposing the vulnerable tools_vct.xgi endpoint.
💻 Affected Systems
- D-Link DIR-300 rev A
- D-Link DIR-615 rev D
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full device compromise with persistent root access, allowing attackers to intercept all network traffic, install malware, pivot to internal networks, and create backdoors.
Likely Case
Attackers with valid credentials gain root shell access, enabling them to reconfigure the router, intercept traffic, and potentially compromise connected devices.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to the router itself without lateral movement to other systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Metasploit module available. Requires valid admin credentials. Exploitation is straightforward once credentials are obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: N/A
Vendor Advisory: N/A
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Affected devices are end-of-life and no longer supported by D-Link.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable web management interface
allDisable the vulnerable web interface entirely to prevent exploitation
Router-specific configuration - typically through admin interface
Block access to tools_vct.xgi
linuxUse firewall rules to block access to the vulnerable endpoint
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -m string --string "tools_vct.xgi" --algo bm -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected routers with supported models
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate vulnerable routers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if tools_vct.xgi endpoint exists and responds: curl -k 'http://router-ip/tools_vct.xgi'Check Version:
Check router web interface or use: curl -s http://router-ip/ | grep -i firmwareVerify Fix Applied:
Verify tools_vct.xgi endpoint is no longer accessible or returns error📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /tools_vct.xgi
- Suspicious ping commands with shell metacharacters
- Telnet service startup logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected telnet connections to router
- Unusual outbound traffic from router
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by tools_vct.xgi access
SIEM Query:
source="router-logs" AND (uri="/tools_vct.xgi" OR cmd="telnetd")🔗 References
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/exploits/linux/http/dlink_dir300_exec_telnet.rb
- https://web.archive.org/web/20140830203110/http://www.s3cur1ty.de/m1adv2013-014
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/25024
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/27428
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/d-link-legacy-unauth-rce-2
- https://www.exploit-db.com/raw/25024
