CVE-2025-11097 Overview
CVE-2025-11097 affects the D-Link DIR-823X router running firmware version 250416. The vulnerability resides in the /goform/set_device_name endpoint, where the mac parameter is passed to a system command without proper sanitization. Attackers can inject arbitrary shell commands by manipulating this argument. The flaw is remotely reachable over the network and requires low privileges to exploit. Public disclosure of the issue has occurred, and exploit details are available through third-party vulnerability databases. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-74] as an improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component (injection).
Critical Impact
Authenticated remote attackers can execute arbitrary operating system commands on affected D-Link DIR-823X routers via the mac parameter of /goform/set_device_name.
Affected Products
- D-Link DIR-823X router hardware
- D-Link DIR-823X firmware version 250416
- Deployments exposing the web management interface (/goform/set_device_name)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-28 - CVE-2025-11097 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-11097
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a command injection flaw in the set_device_name handler exposed through the /goform/ URI namespace on the DIR-823X router. When a client submits a device naming request, the application reads the mac argument from the HTTP request and incorporates it into a shell command invocation. Because the input is not validated or escaped, an attacker can append shell metacharacters such as ;, |, or backticks to break out of the intended argument context. The injected payload then runs in the context of the web service process, which typically operates with elevated privileges on embedded router firmware. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary command execution on the device.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input neutralization on the mac parameter before it reaches an operating system command interpreter. The handler appears to construct a command string using string concatenation rather than safe argument passing, matching the [CWE-74] injection pattern. No allowlist enforcement, regex validation, or shell escaping is applied to the user-supplied value prior to execution.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the router's HTTP management interface and a valid low-privilege session. The attacker sends a crafted POST request to /goform/set_device_name with a mac value containing injected shell commands. Because the management interface is sometimes exposed to LAN clients or, in misconfigured deployments, to the WAN, an attacker on the same network segment can issue commands that the router executes locally. Outcomes include credential extraction from NVRAM, persistent configuration tampering, traffic interception, and pivoting to other devices on the LAN.
No verified proof-of-concept code is published in the referenced advisory. See the GitHub Device Naming Guide and VulDB CTI #326178 for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-11097
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST requests targeting /goform/set_device_name containing shell metacharacters (;, &&, |, backticks, $()) in the mac parameter.
- Unexpected outbound connections from the router to unknown hosts following administrative activity.
- Unauthorized changes to router configuration, DNS settings, or firmware images.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect router HTTP access logs for malformed mac values that do not match the canonical XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX format.
- Deploy network intrusion detection signatures that flag POSTs to /goform/set_device_name containing non-hexadecimal characters in the mac field.
- Monitor for new processes spawned by the router web daemon that are inconsistent with normal device operation.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward router syslog data to a centralized logging platform and alert on configuration changes outside maintenance windows.
- Track administrative session origins and flag logins from unexpected geographies or subnets.
- Periodically validate firmware checksums against the vendor-published baseline to detect persistence.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-11097
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the router web management interface to trusted management VLANs only and disable WAN-side administration.
- Rotate administrative credentials and disable any unused low-privilege accounts that could be abused to reach the vulnerable endpoint.
- Audit recent router configuration changes and inspect for unauthorized firmware or DNS modifications.
Patch Information
At the time of NVD publication, no vendor advisory or fixed firmware release is referenced for CVE-2025-11097. Monitor the D-Link Official Website for security bulletins covering the DIR-823X line, and apply firmware updates as soon as they become available.
Workarounds
- Place the router management interface behind a dedicated management network unreachable from untrusted clients.
- Disable remote administration features and any cloud management agents that proxy requests to /goform/ endpoints.
- If feasible, replace the affected device with a supported model until a vendor-issued firmware patch is published.
# Example: block external access to the router admin interface with an upstream firewall
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <router_ip> --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <router_ip> --dport 443 -j DROP
# Permit administration only from a designated management host
iptables -I FORWARD -s <mgmt_host_ip> -d <router_ip> -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
