Critical Command Injection Vulnerability Found in D-Link NAS Devices Reaching End-of-Life: CVE-2024-10914

A recent discovery has revealed a serious vulnerability affecting legacy D-Link NAS (Network Attached Storage) models, including DNS-320, DNS-325, DNS-340L, and others that have reached End-of-Life (EOL) and End-of-Service (EOS) status. Classified as CVE-2024-10914, this command injection vulnerability is linked to the account_mgr CGI script, where inadequate input sanitization allows remote attackers to exploit the system. Due to these models being EOL, they are no longer supported or updated by D-Link, leaving users exposed to significant security risks.

Vulnerability Overview: CVE-2024-10914

The vulnerability, CVE-2024-10914, has been identified as a command injection flaw (CWE-77) affecting D-Link NAS devices through the account_mgr script. Specifically, this security gap exists in the cgi_user_add command, where user input in the name parameter is not properly sanitized. This deficiency enables an attacker to inject arbitrary commands, potentially allowing full control over the device.

Impacted Models and Versions

This vulnerability affects multiple D-Link NAS devices that have been marked as EOL, including:

• DNS-320 (Version 1.00)
• DNS-320LW (Version 1.01.0914.2012)
• DNS-325 (Versions 1.01, 1.02)
• DNS-340L (Version 1.08)

These devices have long served as popular options for home and small business storage needs, but with the end of their lifecycle, they no longer receive firmware updates or security patches, increasing their susceptibility to exploitation.

Consequences of End-of-Life Status

D-Link’s policy, similar to many other tech companies, is to cease support for EOL devices, which involves halting firmware updates and discontinuing technical support. This places users who continue to use these devices at significant risk of security vulnerabilities that can no longer be mitigated through official updates.

Attackers exploiting CVE-2024-10914 can potentially execute commands on these NAS devices, allowing them to:

1. Control Files and Data: Manipulate or steal data stored on the NAS device.
2. Compromise Connected Devices: Spread malware or other malicious files to devices on the same network.
3. Establish a Persistent Presence: Use the NAS device as an entry point for further network exploitation.

Technical Breakdown of the Command Injection Flaw

The vulnerability occurs in the NAS’s CGI interface, where the cgi_user_add command of the account_mgr script processes user-supplied input without verifying its contents. This means that maliciously crafted commands can be embedded within the name parameter, granting the attacker the ability to execute arbitrary code with administrative privileges. Such command injection flaws are particularly dangerous as they bypass standard security protections and firewall configurations.

Why This Matters for Cybersecurity Professionals

For cybersecurity professionals and network administrators, this vulnerability highlights the dangers associated with using outdated and unsupported devices within an organization. While many organizations focus on patching newer systems, legacy devices are often overlooked, potentially becoming the weakest link in a network.

EOL/EOS Models (Including affected Models)

Recommendations and Best Practices

Although D-Link strongly recommends replacing these EOL NAS devices, users who continue to operate them can adopt the following cybersecurity practices to reduce the associated risks:

1. Replace or Upgrade Outdated Devices
   The most secure option is to replace EOL devices with modern alternatives that receive regular security patches.
2. Limit Device Access
   Restrict device access to internal networks only, ensuring no direct connection to the internet. Implement network segmentation to isolate the NAS from critical assets.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
   Ensure that NAS administrative accounts and connected devices use complex, unique passwords to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
4. Implement Firewall Rules and Network Filtering
   Configure firewalls to block unauthorized traffic to and from NAS devices. Only allow trusted IPs or ranges to access the device.
5. Disable Unnecessary Services
   Disable any unused or unnecessary services on the NAS, reducing the number of possible entry points for attackers.
6. Monitor Device and Network Traffic
   Regularly monitor logs for unusual activities, such as unexpected login attempts, new processes, or outbound traffic from the NAS device.
7. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   If available, enable MFA for NAS administrative access. This adds an extra layer of security beyond simple password protection.
8. Use Network Access Control (NAC) Solutions
   Implement NAC to limit device access to the network and enforce strict controls for which devices are allowed to communicate with the NAS.
9. Regularly Backup Data
   Maintain regular backups of NAS data in an encrypted, off-network location. This ensures that data can be recovered in the event of a breach or ransomware attack.
10. Apply Third-Party Firmware (with Caution)
    For tech-savvy users, third-party firmware options, such as DD-WRT, may offer additional security features. However, using these voids any warranty and should only be considered by knowledgeable users.

Conclusion

The command injection vulnerability in D-Link’s EOL NAS devices underscores the importance of proactive device lifecycle management. As these models no longer receive security updates, they represent a persistent vulnerability for users who continue to rely on them. For the most robust protection, users are advised to replace outdated NAS models with up-to-date solutions.

Cybersecurity professionals must remain vigilant in auditing network assets and identifying legacy devices within their environments. With a proactive approach to vulnerability management and the adoption of secure configuration practices, organizations can minimize their exposure to critical flaws like CVE-2024-10914.

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