CVE-2021-33267

9.8 CRITICAL

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on D-Link DIR-809 routers via a stack buffer overflow in the formStaticDHCP function. Attackers can exploit this by sending a specially crafted POST request to the device's web interface. All users of affected firmware versions are at risk.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • D-Link DIR-809
Versions: Firmware through DIR-809Ax_FW1.12WWB03_20190410
Operating Systems: Embedded Linux (router firmware)
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: The web interface is typically enabled by default on these consumer routers.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device compromise leading to persistent backdoor installation, credential theft, and use as a pivot point into internal networks.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution allowing attackers to modify device configuration, intercept network traffic, or join botnets.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if device is behind firewall with restricted web interface access and proper network segmentation.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - The vulnerability is remotely exploitable via web interface, making internet-exposed devices immediate targets.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal attackers or malware could exploit this to gain foothold in network.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes
Weaponized: LIKELY
Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes
Complexity: LOW

Public proof-of-concept code exists, making exploitation straightforward for attackers with basic skills.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Firmware newer than DIR-809Ax_FW1.12WWB03_20190410

Vendor Advisory: https://www.dlink.com/en/security-bulletin/

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Visit D-Link support site. 2. Download latest firmware for DIR-809. 3. Log into router web interface. 4. Navigate to System Tools > Firmware Update. 5. Upload and apply new firmware. 6. Reboot router.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable Remote Management

all

Prevent external access to router web interface

Log into router > Advanced > Remote Management > Disable

Restrict Web Interface Access

all

Limit web interface access to specific IP addresses

Log into router > Advanced > Access Control > Add allowed IPs

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Segment router on isolated network segment
  • Implement network firewall rules to block access to router web interface from untrusted networks

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check firmware version in router web interface under System Tools > Firmware

Check Version:

curl -s http://router-ip/ | grep -i firmware

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm firmware version is newer than DIR-809Ax_FW1.12WWB03_20190410

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual POST requests to /formStaticDHCP
  • Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful POST

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual outbound connections from router
  • POST requests with abnormally long parameters to router IP

SIEM Query:

source="router.log" AND (uri="/formStaticDHCP" OR method="POST") AND size>1000

🔗 References

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