CVE-2021-20696 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-20696 involving D-Link Japan K.K. DAP-1880AC firmware versions 1.21 and earlier.

Understanding CVE-2021-20696

This section provides key insights into the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-20696?

The CVE-2021-20696 vulnerability affects D-Link Japan K.K. DAP-1880AC firmware versions 1.21 and earlier. It allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary OS commands by sending a specially crafted request to a specific CGI program.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20696

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious commands on the target system. This could lead to complete control over the affected device and potential data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20696

This section dives deeper into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in D-Link DAP-1880AC firmware versions 1.21 and earlier allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via a specially crafted request to a specific CGI program.

Affected Systems and Versions

D-Link Japan K.K. DAP-1880AC devices running firmware versions 1.21 and earlier are vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a malicious request to a specific CGI program, leading to the execution of unauthorized OS commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines immediate steps to take and long-term security practices to prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-20696.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply security patches provided by D-Link Japan K.K. to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2021-20696. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures can help limit exposure to potential attackers.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, ensuring regular firmware updates, implementing network monitoring solutions, and conducting security assessments can enhance overall defense against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security advisories from D-Link Japan K.K. and promptly applying recommended patches are essential to maintain a secure network environment.