CVE-2019-17621 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-17621 affecting D-Link DIR-859 Wi-Fi router versions 1.05 and 1.06B01 Beta01. Find out how unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute system commands with root privileges.
An Unauthenticated attacker can exploit the D-Link DIR-859 Wi-Fi router versions 1.05 and 1.06B01 Beta01 by sending a specifically crafted HTTP SUBSCRIBE request to the UPnP service's UPnP endpoint URL /gena.cgi when connected to the local network. This allows the attacker to execute system commands with root privileges.
Understanding CVE-2019-17621
The vulnerability in the D-Link DIR-859 Wi-Fi router versions 1.05 and 1.06B01 Beta01 allows remote attackers to execute system commands as root without authentication.
What is CVE-2019-17621?
The UPnP endpoint URL /gena.cgi in the D-Link DIR-859 Wi-Fi router versions 1.05 and 1.06B01 Beta01 permits unauthenticated remote attackers to run system commands with root privileges by sending a specially crafted HTTP SUBSCRIBE request when connected to the local network.
The Impact of CVE-2019-17621
This vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete compromise of the affected device.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-17621
The technical aspects of the CVE-2019-17621 vulnerability are as follows:
Vulnerability Description
- Unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability in D-Link DIR-859 Wi-Fi router versions 1.05 and 1.06B01 Beta01.
Affected Systems and Versions
- D-Link DIR-859 Wi-Fi router versions 1.05 and 1.06B01 Beta01.
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending a specially crafted HTTP SUBSCRIBE request to the UPnP service's UPnP endpoint URL /gena.cgi while connected to the local network.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2019-17621, consider the following mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Disable UPnP on the affected D-Link DIR-859 Wi-Fi routers.
- Implement network segmentation to restrict access to vulnerable devices.
- Regularly monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Keep the router firmware up to date to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Implement strong network security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
- Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Patching and Updates
- Apply firmware updates provided by D-Link to address the CVE-2019-17621 vulnerability.