External risk intelligence

D-Link DSL-G2452DG Firmware Insecure Permissions Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2022-28932

This CVE affects a D-Link DSL router, which is a consumer edge networking device. Such devices are typically deployed at the network perimeter and often include management interfaces or services that are reachable from the WAN side, making them a common target for internet-based interaction.

Dlink Dsl G2452dg Firmware

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This critical vulnerability affects D-Link DSL router firmware, potentially allowing unauthenticated attackers to compromise the device's core functions with high impact. The concern is to understand if this specific technology is in use within the organization to assess potential exposure.

Insecure permissions in router firmware.
Affects widely deployed edge networking devices.
Confirm relevance and assess potential exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to access network-connected devices without authentication by exploiting insecure permissions in the device's firmware. An attacker could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, alter system configurations, or disrupt device operations.

No authentication required for access.
Exploits insecure firmware permissions.
Potential for data theft and system compromise.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in a D-Link router could allow an unauthenticated attacker to compromise the device when it's accessible over a network. This could impact the device's configuration and operational integrity.

Device configuration and operation.
Network-based access to the device.
Potential for unauthorized control.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Determining ownership for this vulnerability requires identifying the specific D-Link DSL-G2452DG devices within your environment, confirming their network exposure and business criticality, and then locating the accountable owner. Once identified, a remediation plan should be developed based on the assessed risk and potential impact.

Identify and confirm accountable owner.
Verify network exposure and criticality.
Plan remediation based on risk.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the D-Link DSL-G2452DG?

The D-Link DSL-G2452DG is a hardware router primarily used in home or small office environments to manage network traffic and provide internet connectivity. It functions as a gateway, routing data between your internal devices and the broader internet service provider network.

What does insecure permissions mean for CVE-2022-28932?

This vulnerability, classified as CWE-276, means the device's internal software was configured with incorrect access settings. Essentially, files or system functions that should be restricted to administrators were left open, allowing unauthorized users to interact with critical parts of the router's operating system.

How does an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

An attacker triggers this by sending unauthorized requests over the network to the device. Because the firmware lacks proper permission checks, no password or administrative authentication is required for the exploit to succeed. It is not triggered by standard, legitimate user traffic, but rather by deliberate attempts to reach restricted system files.

Is my device at risk if it is behind a firewall?

Halo Surface Signal indicates that because this is a consumer edge networking device, it is often deployed at the network perimeter. If your router is configured to allow management access from the WAN side, it is directly exposed to the internet. If it is only accessible from your local network, the risk is limited to attackers who have already breached your internal perimeter.

How should I respond if I use this router?

First, identify if any D-Link DSL-G2452DG units are currently deployed in your environment. Check the configuration to see if remote management is enabled and disable it if not strictly required. Coordinate with your team to determine the device's business criticality and develop a plan to update, replace, or isolate the hardware to mitigate the potential for unauthorized control.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.