DSL-224: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2022-36786 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in DSL-224 from D-Link, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.9 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version Update to version 3.0.9_Beta Hotfix as the first without the flaw, so updating DSL-224 to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.03% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 64% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update DSL-224 to Update to version 3.0.9_Beta Hotfix or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-Link | DSL-224 | All versions up to, but not including, Update to version 3.0.9_Beta Hotfix | Update to version 3.0.9_Beta Hotfix |
| D-Link | Dsl-224 Firmware | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.9 | Critical | CNA (cyber.gov.il) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.9 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
DLINK - DSL-224 Post-auth RCE. DLINK router version 3.0.8 has an interface where you can configure NTP servers (Network Time Protocol) via jsonrpc API. It is possible to inject a command through this interface that will run with ROOT permissions on the router.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- gov.il/en/Departments/faq/cve_advisoriesThird Party Advisory
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
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