CVE-2017-8417

Vulnerability

An issue discovered on D-Link DCS-1100 and DCS-1130 devices [1] allows a local attacker to retrieve the device password without any authentication. The device implements a custom base64 encoding scheme for communication between D-Link mobile and desktop apps and the device. However, any process, including an attacker process on the same network, can initiate this communication by sending a single UDP packet encoded with the custom base64 scheme [1]. This bypasses the normal username/password authentication required for logging into the device web interface. The vulnerability affects the D-Link DCS-1100 and DCS-1130 models [1].

Exploitation

An attacker needs only to be on the same local network as the target device (e.g., connected to the same Wi-Fi) and have the ability to send a single UDP packet [1]. The attacker constructs a packet using the custom base64 encoding that mimics the legitimate app-device communication. No authentication, user interaction, or prior knowledge of the device password is required. The device responds with a packet containing the plaintext password [1].

Impact

Successful exploitation allows the attacker to obtain the device's administrator password without authentication [1]. With the password, the attacker can gain full administrative access to the device, enabling them to view the video stream, change device settings, or potentially pivot to other devices on the network. The severity is amplified by the fact that more than 100,000 D-Link devices are believed to be affected [1].

Mitigation

No official firmware patch or workaround has been publicly disclosed by D-Link as of the publication date. Users are advised to isolate affected devices on a separate network segment, restrict access to the local network, and monitor D-Link for any future firmware updates. The CVE is not currently listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.