CVE-2025-1104: D-Link DHP-W310AV Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2025-1104 Overview

A critical authentication bypass vulnerability has been identified in D-Link DHP-W310AV firmware version 1.04. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms through spoofing techniques, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the device's administrative functions without valid credentials. The attack can be initiated remotely over the network, making it particularly dangerous for devices exposed to untrusted networks.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can bypass authentication on affected D-Link powerline networking devices, potentially gaining full administrative access to device configuration and network settings without valid credentials.

Affected Products

• D-Link DHP-W310AV Firmware version 1.04
• D-Link DHP-W310AV Hardware

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-02-07 - CVE-2025-1104 published to NVD
• 2025-05-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-1104

Vulnerability Analysis

This authentication bypass vulnerability (CWE-287, CWE-290) in the D-Link DHP-W310AV powerline adapter affects unspecified code within the device's authentication handling. The vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent the normal authentication process through spoofing techniques. The exploit has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of active exploitation in the wild.

The DHP-W310AV is a powerline networking device that combines Wi-Fi access point functionality with powerline networking capabilities. Authentication bypass vulnerabilities in such devices are particularly concerning as they can provide attackers with a foothold into home or small business networks.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper authentication validation (CWE-287) combined with susceptibility to spoofing attacks (CWE-290). The device fails to properly verify the authenticity of requests, allowing attackers to craft spoofed requests that bypass normal authentication checks. This indicates a fundamental flaw in how the device validates the identity of users or systems attempting to access protected resources.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. An attacker with network access to the device can exploit this vulnerability to bypass authentication controls. The attack does not require any privileges on the target system, making it accessible to unauthenticated remote attackers.

The network-based attack vector means that any DHP-W310AV device accessible over a network—whether on a local network segment or potentially exposed to the internet—could be targeted. The low attack complexity suggests that exploitation does not require sophisticated techniques or specialized conditions.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-1104

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected configuration changes on DHP-W310AV devices without corresponding administrative activity
• Unusual network traffic patterns to or from the device's management interface
• Authentication log anomalies showing successful access without valid credential submission
• Unauthorized wireless network configuration modifications

Detection Strategies

• Monitor network traffic for suspicious requests to the DHP-W310AV web management interface
• Implement network segmentation to isolate IoT and powerline devices from critical network segments
• Deploy network-based intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify exploitation attempts
• Review device logs regularly for authentication anomalies or unauthorized access patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable logging on the DHP-W310AV device if supported and regularly review access logs
• Monitor for unexpected outbound connections from the device
• Implement network monitoring to detect reconnaissance or exploitation activity targeting the device
• Consider deploying a network monitoring solution to track all traffic to and from IoT devices

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-1104

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to the DHP-W310AV management interface to trusted hosts only
• Place the device behind a firewall and block external access to management ports
• Segment the network to isolate the affected device from critical systems
• Consider replacing the device with a supported alternative if no patch is available
• Monitor the D-Link Support Website for security updates

Patch Information

As of the last update to this CVE entry, no vendor patch information is available in the NVD database. The D-Link DHP-W310AV is an older device model that may have reached end-of-life status. Users should check the D-Link Official Website for any available firmware updates or security advisories. If no patch is available and the device is no longer supported, replacement with a currently supported device is strongly recommended.

Additional technical details regarding this vulnerability can be found in the GitHub CVE Reference and VulDB Entry #294934.

Workarounds

• Disable remote management access if not required for device administration
• Implement MAC address filtering as an additional layer of access control
• Use a VPN or secure network tunnel when remote management access is necessary
• Consider network-level access controls using a firewall to restrict which hosts can connect to the device
• Replace the device with a currently supported model if vendor support is unavailable

# Network-level mitigation example using iptables
# Block external access to common management ports on the device
# Replace DEVICE_IP with the actual IP address of your DHP-W310AV

# Block HTTP management access from external networks
iptables -A FORWARD -d DEVICE_IP -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -d DEVICE_IP -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP

# Allow management only from trusted admin workstation
iptables -I FORWARD -s TRUSTED_ADMIN_IP -d DEVICE_IP -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT