External risk intelligence

D-Link DIR-300 Router Password Exposure

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2011-4723

D-Link DIR-300 routers store passwords in cleartext. This allows attackers with network access to obtain sensitive credentials. The vulnerability is listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating active exploitation and posing a business risk of unauthorized access to connected systems.

4Halo Surface Signal

Dlink Dir 300 Firmware

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2011-4723

The affected product is a router, which is commonly deployed as an internet-facing gateway or edge device. While router administration interfaces are ideally restricted to internal networks, they are frequently exposed to the public internet in real-world deployments, making the vulnerable management surface reachable.

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The D-Link DIR-300 router contains a flaw where sensitive password information is stored in an unencrypted format. This vulnerability allows unauthorized individuals to access and obtain these credentials. The exposure of this sensitive data can lead to significant business risks, including unauthorized access to connected systems and networks.

  • Vulnerable D-Link DIR-300 router firmware
  • Cleartext storage of passwords
  • Unauthorized access to sensitive data

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows attackers to obtain sensitive information from D-Link DIR-300 routers due to the storage of passwords in cleartext. An attacker could leverage this by gaining unauthorized access to the router's network. This access would enable the attacker to retrieve the stored credentials, potentially leading to further compromise of the affected organization.

  • Router exposed to network.
  • Attacker gains network access.
  • Attacker retrieves cleartext passwords.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability impacts D-Link DIR-300 routers, allowing attackers to obtain sensitive information due to the storage of cleartext passwords. The exploit requires attackers to have a certain level of skill and access to the network or a compromised system within it. The CISA KEV catalog lists this CVE, indicating it is actively exploited.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Moderate
  • Required access or conditions: Network access, authenticated user
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability affects D-Link DIR-300 routers, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to access sensitive information due to stored cleartext passwords. Organizations using these devices face risks to data confidentiality and system integrity. The router is considered end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use.

  • Identify all deployed D-Link DIR-300 routers.
  • Disconnect affected devices from the network.
  • Replace vulnerable hardware.

Frequently asked questions

What is the D-Link DIR-300 router and its general purpose?

The D-Link DIR-300 is a router designed to connect devices to a network and the internet. Routers serve as gateways, directing network traffic and facilitating communication between different networks.

What specific weakness does CVE-2011-4723 identify in the D-Link DIR-300?

CVE-2011-4723 describes a weakness classified as CWE-312, involving the "Cleartext storage of sensitive information." For the D-Link DIR-300, this means passwords are stored in an unencrypted format, making them easily readable if accessed.

How can an attacker exploit the D-Link DIR-300's vulnerability regarding password storage?

Exploitation requires an attacker to gain network access to the router. Once network access is achieved, the attacker can retrieve the cleartext passwords stored on the device, potentially leading to further system compromise.

What is the relevance of CVE-2011-4723 for security and system management?

This vulnerability highlights the risk of sensitive information being stored insecurely. The D-Link DIR-300 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating active exploitation and a high urgency for remediation.

What steps should be taken to address the D-Link DIR-300 vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all deployed D-Link DIR-300 routers. As the device is end-of-life, the recommended action is to disconnect affected devices from the network and replace them with a more secure hardware solution.

References

Sources and related resources

Primary sources: NVD, CVE.org, CISA KEV.

NVDPublished Modified