CVE-2024-44341: D-Link DIR-846W RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-44341 Overview

CVE-2024-44341 is a remote command execution vulnerability affecting the D-Link DIR-846W A1 router running firmware version FW100A43. The flaw resides in the handling of the lan(0)_dhcps_staticlist parameter, which fails to sanitize user-supplied input before passing it to a system shell. Attackers exploit the issue by sending a crafted HTTP POST request to the device, achieving arbitrary command execution without authentication. The vulnerability maps to [CWE-78] (OS Command Injection) and impacts a consumer-grade wireless router commonly deployed at network edges.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary operating system commands on affected DIR-846W routers, leading to full device compromise, persistent backdoors, and pivoting into internal networks.

Affected Products

• D-Link DIR-846W A1 hardware revision
• D-Link DIR-846W firmware FW100A43
• DIR-846W deployments exposing the web management interface to untrusted networks

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-08-27 - CVE-2024-44341 published to NVD
• 2024-08-30 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-44341

Vulnerability Analysis

The DIR-846W web management interface accepts DHCP static list configuration data through the lan(0)_dhcps_staticlist POST parameter. The backend handler concatenates this parameter into a shell command without validation or escaping. Any shell metacharacter supplied by an attacker, such as a semicolon or backtick, breaks out of the intended command context. The resulting injected command executes with the privileges of the web server process, which on consumer routers typically runs as root. Successful exploitation grants full control of the device firmware, configuration, and routed network traffic.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in OS command construction [CWE-78]. Input from the lan(0)_dhcps_staticlist parameter flows directly into a system call without parameterization or allowlist validation. The firmware lacks input sanitization routines for DHCP static list entries, despite the field being reachable over the network.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP POST request to the router's management endpoint with malicious shell syntax in the lan(0)_dhcps_staticlist field. The web server processes the request, invokes the vulnerable command-construction logic, and executes the injected payload. Exposed management interfaces, including those reachable from the WAN side due to misconfiguration, are at the highest risk. A public proof-of-concept exists at GitHub PoC for CVE-2024-44341.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-44341

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP POST requests to the DIR-846W management interface containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &, backticks) inside the lan(0)_dhcps_staticlist parameter
• Unexpected outbound connections originating from the router to attacker-controlled infrastructure
• New or modified iptables rules, DNS settings, or firmware-resident binaries on affected devices
• Web server log entries showing POST requests from unusual source IPs targeting DHCP configuration endpoints

Detection Strategies

• Inspect HTTP request bodies destined for router management interfaces for shell injection patterns in DHCP-related parameters
• Baseline normal administrative traffic to the router and alert on deviations in source IP, frequency, or payload structure
• Monitor DNS resolution patterns from the router itself, as compromised devices often beacon to command-and-control hosts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Forward router syslog and web access logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation against threat intelligence feeds
• Track firmware version inventory across managed networks to identify devices running FW100A43
• Alert on configuration changes to DHCP static lease entries that include non-printable or shell-special characters

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-44341

Immediate Actions Required

• Disable remote (WAN-side) management on all DIR-846W devices and restrict the LAN-side management interface to trusted hosts only
• Place affected routers behind a network segment that blocks untrusted access to TCP ports 80 and 443 on the device
• Rotate administrative credentials and audit DHCP static list entries for unauthorized modifications
• Inventory all DIR-846W A1 units in the environment and prioritize replacement or isolation

Patch Information

No vendor patch is referenced in the NVD entry for CVE-2024-44341 at the time of publication. Consult the D-Link Security Bulletin and the D-Link DIR-846W Product Info page for firmware update availability. The DIR-846W is a regional D-Link China model and may have reached end-of-support status, in which case replacement with a supported router is recommended.

Workarounds

• Block inbound HTTP/HTTPS access to the router management interface from all untrusted networks using upstream firewall rules
• Disable the web administration service entirely if the device supports CLI-only management
• Segment the router onto a management VLAN accessible only from authorized administrative workstations
• Replace the affected DIR-846W with a vendor-supported model that receives active security updates

# Example upstream firewall rule to block external access to router management
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <router-ip> --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <router-ip> --dport 443 -j DROP