CVE-2011-4723 affects the D-Link DIR-300 router, which stores cleartext passwords. This vulnerability allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors. With a CVSS score of 5.7, classified as medium severity, this issue poses a significant risk to organizations that rely on this hardware.
The vulnerability presents a real-world risk, particularly for networks that still utilize this end-of-life device. Attackers may leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, thereby compromising the confidentiality of information. The urgency for defenders is high, given the potential implications of this vulnerability.
Organizations operating the D-Link DIR-300 router should prioritize remediation due to the risk associated with cleartext password storage. Users are urged to disconnect the device from their networks if it remains in use.
This router's vulnerability has been documented and added to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating its recognized risk within the cybersecurity community.
Vulnerability Details
The D-Link DIR-300 router stores passwords in cleartext, leading to a CWE-312 classification, which highlights the security flaw associated with cleartext storage of sensitive information. This vulnerability was published on December 20, 2011, and has since been analyzed for its impact and exploitation potential.
The CVSS v3.1 score of 5.7 indicates a medium severity level, with the attack vector classified as 'Adjacent Network' and a low attack complexity. Privileges required are low, and there is no user interaction needed to exploit this vulnerability. The confidentiality impact is rated high, meaning that sensitive information could be fully compromised.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the insecure storage of passwords in cleartext, which is a fundamental security flaw. The attack vector allows local or remote attackers within the adjacent network to exploit the vulnerability with minimal complexity and low privileges required.
No user interaction is necessary to exploit this vulnerability, allowing attackers to easily access sensitive data stored within the router. The impact on confidentiality is significant, as attackers can gain complete access to stored passwords, while integrity and availability impacts are not applicable.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of the D-Link DIR-300 router in sensitive environments poses a substantial risk. Given that cleartext passwords can be easily accessed, organizations using this router must assess their risk exposure and take immediate action to mitigate potential breaches. The vulnerability’s addition to the KEV catalog further underscores its relevance and the need for organizations to address this risk promptly.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately, or alternatively, discontinue the use of the affected devices. The blast radius of this vulnerability can be extensive, especially in networks where the router is integrated into critical infrastructure.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of the D-Link DIR-300 firmware are affected. Organizations should check for any vendor-released updates or patches that address this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2011-4723, organizations should consider the following actions: apply any available patches, update the firmware to the latest version, and if the device is end-of-life, disconnect it from the network. For further assessment, organizations may engage in penetration testing to identify additional vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unauthorized access attempts, review behavioral anomalies related to password access, and ensure network signatures are in place to detect exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2011-4723 exemplifies the critical importance of securing sensitive data storage. Security teams must recognize trends in vulnerabilities related to cleartext storage and take proactive measures to avoid similar pitfalls in their environments. The vulnerability underscores the necessity for continuous security assessments and the implementation of best practices in data handling.
For organizations looking to enhance their security posture, it is advisable to review the vulnerability management program and consider implementing regular penetration testing to identify weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
In conclusion, understanding and addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2011-4723 is paramount for organizations aiming to protect sensitive information and maintain robust security measures.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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