CVE-2021-46441

8.8 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on D-Link DIR-825 G1 routers through the 'webupg' binary due to insufficient parameter validation. Attackers can gain full control of affected devices after obtaining authorization. Only D-Link DIR-825 G1 router users are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • D-Link DIR-825 G1
Versions: All firmware versions prior to patched version
Operating Systems: Embedded Linux
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Requires attacker to have valid credentials or access to authenticated session

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install persistent malware, intercept network traffic, pivot to internal networks, and use the device as part of a botnet.

🟠

Likely Case

Attackers gaining administrative control of the router to modify network settings, intercept credentials, or deploy cryptocurrency miners.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent unauthorized access to the router's web interface.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes
Weaponized: LIKELY
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: LOW

Exploitation requires authentication but is straightforward once credentials are obtained

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Check D-Link security bulletin for specific patched firmware version

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

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Visit D-Link support website
2. Download latest firmware for DIR-825 G1
3. Log into router admin interface
4. Navigate to Firmware Update section
5. Upload and apply new firmware
6. Reboot router

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable Remote Management

all

Prevent external access to router web interface

Change Default Credentials

all

Use strong, unique passwords for router admin account

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Isolate router on separate VLAN with strict access controls
  • Implement network monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check firmware version against D-Link security bulletin; test with authenticated command injection if authorized

Check Version:

Log into router web interface and check System Status or Firmware Version page

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version matches patched version from vendor advisory

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual command execution in system logs
  • Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful login

Network Indicators:

  • Suspicious outbound connections from router
  • Unexpected traffic patterns

SIEM Query:

source="router_logs" AND (cmd="*" OR command="*") AND user="admin"

🔗 References

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