CVE-2021-46453
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on D-Link DIR-823-Pro routers via command injection in the SetStaticRouteSettings function. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted requests to the staticroute_list parameter. Only D-Link DIR-823-Pro v1.0.2 devices are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- D-Link DIR-823-Pro
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal networks, intercept all network traffic, and use the device for botnet activities.
Likely Case
Attackers gain full control of the router to modify network settings, intercept credentials, and launch attacks against internal devices.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if device is behind strict firewall rules, not internet-facing, and network segmentation prevents lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires authentication to the web interface. Public proof-of-concept code is available in GitHub repositories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: v1.0.3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://supportannouncement.us.dlink.com/announcement/publication.aspx?name=SAP10285
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into D-Link support portal. 2. Download latest firmware for DIR-823-Pro. 3. Access router web interface. 4. Navigate to System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. 5. Upload and install new firmware. 6. Reboot router after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Management
allPrevent external access to the web management interface
Access router web interface > Advanced > Remote Management > Disable
Restrict Management Access
allLimit web interface access to specific IP addresses only
Access router web interface > Advanced > Access Control > Add allowed IP addresses
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Place router behind a firewall with strict inbound rules blocking all unnecessary ports
- Implement network segmentation to isolate the router from critical internal systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in router web interface: System Tools > Firmware. If version is exactly 1.0.2, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
curl -s http://router-ip/status.html | grep -i firmwareVerify Fix Applied:
After firmware update, verify version shows 1.0.3 or higher in System Tools > Firmware.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /goform/SetStaticRouteSettings
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful login and configuration changes
- Commands containing shell metacharacters in URL parameters
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from router to external IPs
- DNS queries to suspicious domains from router
- Unexpected port scans originating from router
SIEM Query:
source="router-logs" AND (uri="/goform/SetStaticRouteSettings" OR (method="POST" AND uri CONTAINS "staticroute_list"))🔗 References
- https://github.com/pjqwudi/my_vuln/blob/main/D-link/vuln_25/25.md
- https://supportannouncement.us.dlink.com/announcement/publication.aspx?name=SAP10285
- https://www.dlink.com/en/security-bulletin/
- https://github.com/pjqwudi/my_vuln/blob/main/D-link/vuln_25/25.md
- https://supportannouncement.us.dlink.com/announcement/publication.aspx?name=SAP10285
- https://www.dlink.com/en/security-bulletin/
