CVE-2026-2853

8.8 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in D-Link DWR-M960 routers allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the submit-url argument in the System Log Configuration endpoint. This affects D-Link DWR-M960 routers running firmware version 1.01.07. Attackers can exploit this without authentication to potentially take full control of affected devices.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • D-Link DWR-M960
Versions: 1.01.07
Operating Systems: Embedded Linux (router firmware)
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: All devices running the affected firmware version are vulnerable by default. The System Log Configuration endpoint is typically accessible via web interface.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, lateral movement to internal networks, persistent backdoor installation, and data exfiltration.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution allowing attackers to modify device configuration, intercept network traffic, or use the device as part of a botnet.

🟢

If Mitigated

If network segmentation and proper firewall rules are in place, impact may be limited to the affected device only.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication and affects internet-facing routers.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal-only devices are still vulnerable but require network access; risk depends on internal segmentation.

🎯 Exploit Status

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

Public exploit details are available on GitHub. The vulnerability is in a web interface component, making exploitation straightforward for attackers with network access.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Unknown

Vendor Advisory: https://www.dlink.com/

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check D-Link website for firmware updates. 2. Download latest firmware for DWR-M960. 3. Access router web interface. 4. Navigate to firmware update section. 5. Upload and apply new firmware. 6. Reboot router after update.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable Remote Management

all

Prevent external access to router web interface

Access router web interface > Advanced > Remote Management > Disable

Network Segmentation

linux

Isolate router management interface from untrusted networks

iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s trusted_network -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Immediately isolate affected routers from internet using firewall rules
  • Implement strict network access controls to limit who can reach the router management interface

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check router firmware version via web interface: Login > Status > Device Info > Firmware Version

Check Version:

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

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version is no longer 1.01.07 and check that System Log Configuration endpoint no longer accepts malicious submit-url parameters

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual POST requests to /boafrm/formSysLog
  • Large submit-url parameter values in web logs
  • Multiple failed buffer overflow attempts

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual traffic patterns to router management interface
  • Exploit kit signatures targeting D-Link routers
  • Unexpected outbound connections from router

SIEM Query:

source="router_logs" AND (uri="/boafrm/formSysLog" AND submit-url.length>1000)

🔗 References

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