CVE-2025-11099 Overview
CVE-2025-11099 is a command injection vulnerability in the D-Link DIR-823X router running firmware version 250416. The flaw resides in the uci_del function within the /goform/delete_prohibiting endpoint. Attackers can manipulate the delvalue argument to inject arbitrary shell commands. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable and requires low-level authenticated access. Exploit details have been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of opportunistic abuse against exposed devices. The issue is classified under [CWE-74] for improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component.
Critical Impact
Authenticated remote attackers can inject operating system commands through the delvalue parameter, leading to unauthorized command execution on affected DIR-823X routers.
Affected Products
- D-Link DIR-823X (hardware)
- D-Link DIR-823X firmware version 250416
- Deployments with the /goform/delete_prohibiting endpoint exposed
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-28 - CVE-2025-11099 published to NVD
- 2026-04-29 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-11099
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the uci_del function handler tied to the /goform/delete_prohibiting web interface route. The handler accepts a user-supplied delvalue argument and incorporates it into a downstream command without sufficient sanitization. Because the input flows into a system-level call, attackers can append shell metacharacters to execute arbitrary commands in the router's context. The endpoint is reachable over the network, making remote exploitation feasible against any device exposing the management interface. Public disclosure of the exploit technique increases the likelihood of weaponization against unpatched units.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in user input passed to the uci_del function. The delvalue parameter is concatenated into a command string and executed without input validation or argument escaping. This pattern is consistent with [CWE-74] injection weaknesses common in embedded router firmware that wraps uci configuration utilities.
Attack Vector
An attacker with network reachability to the router's web management interface and valid low-privilege credentials submits a crafted HTTP request to /goform/delete_prohibiting. The delvalue parameter carries shell metacharacters that break out of the intended command context. The injected payload executes with the privileges of the web server process, typically elevated on consumer router firmware. Refer to the GitHub security documentation for the published technical write-up.
// No verified exploit code is published in the enriched data.
// See the referenced GitHub write-up for parameter-level proof-of-concept details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-11099
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST requests targeting /goform/delete_prohibiting containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, `, $(, or && in the delvalue parameter.
- Unexpected child processes spawned by the router web server, including sh, busybox, wget, or nc.
- Outbound connections from the router to unfamiliar hosts following administrative HTTP activity.
- New or modified uci configuration entries that do not match administrator change records.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect router HTTP and management logs for requests to /goform/delete_prohibiting and flag any non-alphanumeric content in the delvalue field.
- Deploy network-based detection rules that identify command injection patterns in HTTP request bodies targeting D-Link goform endpoints.
- Correlate authentication events with subsequent administrative endpoint access to identify low-privilege accounts probing the affected route.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Centralize router syslog output to a SIEM and alert on shell metacharacters appearing in web management traffic.
- Monitor for anomalous outbound traffic from router management VLANs that could indicate post-exploitation activity.
- Track firmware version inventory to ensure DIR-823X devices on firmware 250416 are flagged for remediation.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-11099
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the router web management interface to trusted management networks only and disable WAN-side administration.
- Rotate administrative credentials and remove any unused low-privilege accounts that could be leveraged for authenticated exploitation.
- Audit recent configuration changes and inspect the device for unauthorized processes or persistence artifacts.
Patch Information
No official D-Link patch has been referenced in the available advisory data for firmware 250416. Monitor the D-Link official website and the VulDB entry #326180 for vendor updates. Apply firmware updates immediately upon release and verify integrity before deployment.
Workarounds
- Place affected DIR-823X devices behind a network segment that blocks untrusted access to TCP ports used for HTTP management.
- Enforce strong, unique credentials for every router account and disable any guest or default user profiles.
- Where feasible, replace the affected firmware with a vendor-supported release or migrate to a hardware platform with active security maintenance.
# Example: restrict router admin interface to a management subnet using upstream firewall rules
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <ROUTER_IP> --dport 80 -s 10.0.10.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <ROUTER_IP> --dport 80 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
