CVE-2025-1538
📋 TL;DR
A critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in D-Link DAP-1320's set_ws_action function allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. This affects D-Link DAP-1320 devices running firmware version 1.00. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as these products are no longer supported by the vendor.
💻 Affected Systems
- D-Link DAP-1320
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, persistence, and potential lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Remote denial of service causing device crashes and network disruption, with potential for limited code execution.
If Mitigated
Denial of service only if exploit attempts are blocked, but device remains vulnerable to future attacks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit has been publicly disclosed and may be used. The vulnerability is in the /dws/api/ endpoint.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: N/A
Vendor Advisory: https://legacy.us.dlink.com/pages/product.aspx?id=4b2bbe2e3f1d440ea65bc56c7e3dcc5c
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available as product is end-of-life. Consider replacement or workarounds.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate DAP-1320 devices in separate VLANs with strict firewall rules blocking external access to the device management interface.
Access Control Lists
allImplement ACLs to restrict access to the device's management interface only to trusted administrative IP addresses.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately replace DAP-1320 devices with supported models
- Disable the vulnerable /dws/api/ endpoint if possible through configuration
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version via web interface or SSH. If version is 1.00, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check web interface at http://[device-ip]/ or use SSH if enabledVerify Fix Applied:
No fix available to verify. Replacement with non-vulnerable device is the only verification.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple requests to /dws/api/ endpoint
- Device crash/restart logs
- Unusual memory usage patterns
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /dws/api/ with large payloads
- Traffic patterns matching known exploit signatures
SIEM Query:
source_ip:* AND dest_ip:[device_ip] AND url_path:"/dws/api/" AND http_method:POST🔗 References
- https://legacy.us.dlink.com/pages/product.aspx?id=4b2bbe2e3f1d440ea65bc56c7e3dcc5c
- https://tasty-foxtrot-3a8.notion.site/D-link-DAP-1320-set_ws_action-Vulnerability-1950448e61958049be3cc606d434bc9d
- https://tasty-foxtrot-3a8.notion.site/D-link-DAP-1320-set_ws_action-Vulnerability-1950448e61958049be3cc606d434bc9d?pvs=74
- https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.296479
- https://vuldb.com/?id.296479
- https://vuldb.com/?submit.497301
- https://www.dlink.com/
