CVE-2018-10824
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to obtain administrative router passwords stored in plaintext via directory traversal or local file inclusion. It affects multiple D-Link router models, enabling full router compromise. Attackers can gain complete control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- D-Link DWR-116
- DIR-140L
- DIR-640L
- DWR-512
- DWR-712
- DWR-912
- DWR-921
- DWR-111
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete router takeover allowing traffic interception, network pivoting, malware deployment, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Unauthorized administrative access leading to DNS hijacking, credential theft, and network surveillance.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and external access controls preventing exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires directory traversal or LFI vulnerability to access the password file. Public proof-of-concept exists.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor for specific fixed versions per model
Vendor Advisory: https://support.dlink.com/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check D-Link support site for firmware updates for your specific model. 2. Download and install latest firmware. 3. Reboot router. 4. Change administrative password after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote administration
allPrevent external access to router administration interface
Network segmentation
allIsolate affected routers from critical network segments
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected devices with supported models
- Implement strict firewall rules limiting access to router administration interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version against affected versions list. Attempt to access /tmp/csman/0 via web interface if directory traversal exists.Check Version:
Check router web interface under Status or Administration section for firmware versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is above affected range. Confirm password file is no longer accessible or encrypted.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful login
- Access to unusual file paths in web logs
- Administrative access from unexpected IP addresses
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router
- DNS changes not initiated by administrator
- Traffic redirection patterns
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (path="*csman*" OR path="*tmp*" OR (event="login" AND result="success" AND src_ip NOT IN allowed_admin_ips))