CVE-2026-2882: D-Link DWR-M960 Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2026-2882 Overview

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified in the D-Link DWR-M960 mobile router firmware version 1.01.07. This vulnerability exists in the function sub_46385C within the file /boafrm/formDosCfg, where improper handling of the submit-url argument allows an attacker to trigger a buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by authenticated attackers, potentially leading to complete device compromise.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this stack-based buffer overflow to execute arbitrary code on the affected D-Link router, potentially gaining full control of the device and network traffic passing through it.

Affected Products

D-Link DWR-M960 Firmware version 1.01.07
D-Link DWR-M960 Hardware revision B1
D-Link DWR-M960 Mobile Router devices running vulnerable firmware

Discovery Timeline

February 21, 2026 - CVE-2026-2882 published to NVD
February 23, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-2882

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer), representing a fundamental memory safety issue in the D-Link router's web management interface. The affected function sub_46385C processes user-supplied input from the submit-url parameter without properly validating the input length before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer.

When an attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing an oversized submit-url parameter to the /boafrm/formDosCfg endpoint, the vulnerable function copies this data to a stack-allocated buffer without bounds checking. This overflow can overwrite critical stack data including the function's return address, enabling control flow hijacking.

The vulnerability requires low privileges to exploit, meaning an authenticated attacker with basic access to the router's web interface can leverage this flaw. Since the attack vector is network-based with low complexity, any attacker who can reach the router's management interface can potentially exploit this vulnerability.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-2882 lies in insufficient input validation within the sub_46385C function. The function fails to properly verify the length of the submit-url parameter before copying it into a fixed-size buffer on the stack. This classic buffer overflow pattern results from using unsafe string handling operations without implementing proper boundary checks, a common issue in embedded device firmware where memory safety is often overlooked in favor of performance or due to legacy code bases.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed remotely over the network by sending malicious HTTP requests to the router's web management interface. An attacker must have authenticated access to the device (requiring low privileges) but does not need any user interaction to exploit the vulnerability. The attack targets the /boafrm/formDosCfg endpoint, manipulating the submit-url argument with an oversized payload designed to overflow the stack buffer and potentially redirect execution flow.

The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete device takeover, network traffic interception, or use of the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks.

Technical details and proof-of-concept information have been publicly disclosed. For additional technical analysis, see the GitHub Issue Discussion and VulDB entry #347176.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-2882

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual HTTP POST requests to /boafrm/formDosCfg containing abnormally long submit-url parameter values
Unexpected router reboots or service interruptions that may indicate exploitation attempts causing crashes
Anomalous outbound network connections from the router to unknown external IP addresses
Changes to router configuration or new administrative accounts created without authorization

Detection Strategies

Implement network intrusion detection rules to monitor for oversized HTTP parameters targeting D-Link router management endpoints
Deploy web application firewall rules to block HTTP requests with excessively long submit-url values to DoS configuration pages
Monitor authentication logs for suspicious login patterns preceding malformed requests to the /boafrm/formDosCfg endpoint
Establish baseline network behavior profiles for D-Link devices to identify anomalous traffic patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable comprehensive logging on network perimeter devices monitoring traffic to D-Link router management interfaces
Configure SIEM alerts for HTTP requests containing buffer overflow attack signatures targeting embedded device web servers
Regularly audit firmware versions across all D-Link DWR-M960 devices in the network to identify vulnerable deployments
Implement network segmentation monitoring to detect lateral movement attempts from potentially compromised network devices

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-2882

Immediate Actions Required

Restrict access to the router's web management interface to trusted IP addresses only using firewall rules
Disable remote management access if not required for operational purposes
Implement network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from untrusted network segments
Monitor D-Link security advisories at the D-Link Security Information page for firmware updates

Patch Information

At the time of publication, no official patch has been released by D-Link for this vulnerability. Organizations should monitor D-Link's official support channels and security advisories for firmware updates addressing CVE-2026-2882. Contact D-Link support directly for guidance on remediation timelines and interim protective measures.

Additional vulnerability tracking information is available through VulDB and the VulDB CTI database.

Workarounds

Configure access control lists (ACLs) to restrict management interface access to specific administrator IP addresses
Place the router's management interface behind a VPN, requiring VPN authentication before accessing the web interface
Disable the web management interface entirely and use alternative management methods such as console access where feasible
Deploy network-based intrusion prevention systems (IPS) with rules to detect and block buffer overflow exploit attempts targeting this endpoint

bash

# Example: Restrict management access using firewall rules (implement on upstream firewall)
# Block external access to router management interface
iptables -A FORWARD -d <router_ip> -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -d <router_ip> -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
# Allow management access only from trusted admin subnet
iptables -I FORWARD -s 10.0.0.0/24 -d <router_ip> -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -I FORWARD -s 10.0.0.0/24 -d <router_ip> -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT