CVE-2024-11046: D-Link DI-8003 Firmware RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-11046 Overview

CVE-2024-11046 is an OS command injection vulnerability in the D-Link DI-8003 router running firmware version 16.07.16A1. The flaw exists in the upgrade_filter_asp function within the /upgrade_filter.asp endpoint. Attackers can manipulate the path argument to inject arbitrary operating system commands. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely and has been publicly disclosed, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic exploitation against exposed devices. The weakness is classified under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command).

Critical Impact

Authenticated remote attackers can execute arbitrary OS commands on affected D-Link DI-8003 routers, leading to full device compromise and potential lateral movement into protected network segments.

Affected Products

• D-Link DI-8003 router (hardware revision A1)
• D-Link DI-8003 firmware version 16.07.16A1
• Any deployments exposing the /upgrade_filter.asp administrative endpoint

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-11-10 - CVE-2024-11046 published to NVD
• 2024-11-13 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-11046

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the upgrade_filter_asp handler within /upgrade_filter.asp on the DI-8003 web management interface. The handler accepts a path parameter from HTTP requests and passes the value into an operating system command without proper sanitization or neutralization of shell metacharacters. As a result, attackers can append additional commands using shell separators such as ;, |, or backticks. Successful exploitation grants command execution in the context of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated privileges on embedded D-Link devices.

The EPSS probability is 1.051% with a percentile rank of 77.771, indicating measurable exploitation interest relative to the broader CVE corpus. Public proof-of-concept material is referenced in third-party repositories, which lowers the technical barrier for attackers seeking to weaponize the issue.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command [CWE-77]. The upgrade_filter_asp function concatenates the user-supplied path argument directly into a system command invocation without applying input validation, allowlisting, or safe API alternatives such as parameterized command execution.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and targets the HTTP management interface of the DI-8003. An attacker with access to the device's web interface submits a crafted request to /upgrade_filter.asp containing shell metacharacters in the path parameter. The vulnerability requires low privileges based on the CVSS 4.0 vector and no user interaction. Devices exposed to the internet or untrusted network segments face the highest risk.

Detailed exploitation steps and request structures are documented in the public PoC repository and the VulDB entry.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-11046

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests to /upgrade_filter.asp containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &, backticks, $()) in the path parameter
• Unexpected child processes spawned from the embedded web server on the router
• Outbound connections from the router to unknown infrastructure following administrative HTTP activity
• Modified router configuration files or new accounts created without administrator action

Detection Strategies

• Inspect web server and reverse-proxy logs for POST or GET requests to /upgrade_filter.asp with non-standard path values
• Apply intrusion detection signatures that flag command injection patterns targeting D-Link administrative endpoints
• Correlate router management traffic with the source IP addresses authorized to administer network infrastructure

Monitoring Recommendations

• Forward router syslog and HTTP access logs to a centralized SIEM for behavioral analysis
• Monitor for configuration drift and firmware integrity changes on the DI-8003
• Alert on any administrative interface access originating from WAN-side or non-management VLANs

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-11046

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict access to the DI-8003 web management interface to trusted management VLANs only and block WAN-side exposure
• Rotate administrative credentials and disable any unused accounts on the device
• Review router logs for prior exploitation attempts against /upgrade_filter.asp
• Consider replacing the device if the vendor does not provide a patched firmware build for your region

Patch Information

At the time of NVD publication, no vendor-supplied firmware patch was referenced in the advisory. Administrators should monitor the D-Link official website and regional support portals for updated DI-8003 firmware addressing CVE-2024-11046. The DI-8003 product line is primarily distributed in specific regional markets, so firmware updates may be published through localized D-Link support channels.

Workarounds

• Place the DI-8003 behind a network segment that filters inbound HTTP and HTTPS traffic to the management interface
• Enforce IP allowlisting on the router's administrative interface to restrict access to known administrator workstations
• Disable remote management features if they are not strictly required for operations
• Deploy a network IDS/IPS rule that blocks requests to /upgrade_filter.asp containing shell metacharacters in the path parameter

# Example firewall rule to restrict access to the DI-8003 management interface
# Replace <MGMT_SUBNET> and <ROUTER_IP> with environment-specific values
iptables -A FORWARD -s <MGMT_SUBNET> -d <ROUTER_IP> -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A FORWARD -d <ROUTER_IP> -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -d <ROUTER_IP> -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP