CVE-2018-10824 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability has been identified in D-Link devices, specifically DWR-116 through 1.06, DIR-140L through 1.02, DIR-640L through 1.02, DWR-512 through 2.02, DWR-712 through 2.02, DWR-912 through 2.02, DWR-921 through 2.02, and DWR-111 through 1.01. This vulnerability allows attackers to gain complete access to the router by exploiting a directory traversal technique.

Understanding CVE-2018-10824

This CVE entry discloses a critical security flaw in various D-Link router models that could lead to unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2018-10824?

The vulnerability in D-Link routers arises from storing the administrative password in plaintext, specifically in the /tmp/csman/0 file. Exploiting this flaw through a directory traversal technique enables attackers to obtain full control over the router.

The Impact of CVE-2018-10824

The consequences of this vulnerability include:

Unauthorized access to the router
Potential compromise of sensitive information
Ability for attackers to manipulate router settings

Technical Details of CVE-2018-10824

This section provides in-depth technical insights into the CVE-2018-10824 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The administrative password stored in plaintext in the /tmp/csman/0 file allows attackers to gain complete control over the affected D-Link routers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following D-Link devices are impacted by CVE-2018-10824:

DWR-116 through 1.06
DIR-140L through 1.02
DIR-640L through 1.02
DWR-512 through 2.02
DWR-712 through 2.02
DWR-912 through 2.02
DWR-921 through 2.02
DWR-111 through 1.01

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability using a directory traversal (or LFI) technique grants an attacker complete access to the router, compromising its security.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2018-10824 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability:

Change the administrative password to a strong, unique one
Regularly monitor router logs for suspicious activities
Implement network segmentation to limit access

Long-Term Security Practices

For enhanced security posture:

Keep router firmware up to date
Conduct regular security audits and assessments
Educate users on secure password practices

Patching and Updates

Ensure that D-Link routers are updated with the latest firmware patches to address the CVE-2018-10824 vulnerability.