CVE-2016-11021 is a high-severity vulnerability that affects D-Link DCS-930L devices running firmware versions prior to 2.12. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via an OS command in the SystemCommand parameter. With a CVSS score of 7.2, this vulnerability poses significant risks to affected devices.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized access and control over affected devices. Organizations using D-Link DCS-930L devices should prioritize remediation to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
As of now, there are no known public exploits for this vulnerability, but it is included in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Organizations should take immediate action to protect their devices and network.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The impacted devices are end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use to prevent potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-78: OS Command Injection. It was published on March 9, 2020, and has an official description stating that the setSystemCommand function allows for code execution through the SystemCommand parameter in affected D-Link DCS-930L devices.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.2, indicating a high severity level. The attack vector is network-based, and it requires high privileges to exploit, but does not require user interaction. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user inputs in the SystemCommand parameter. Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending crafted requests to the device, allowing for command execution at the operating system level.
The attack complexity is low, as it can be executed remotely without the need for physical access to the device. The required privileges are high, meaning an attacker must have access to an account with sufficient rights to execute commands on the device.
This vulnerability has a high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, as successful exploitation can lead to full control over the device, potentially compromising sensitive data and disrupting operations.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2016-11021 is significant, as it can lead to unauthorized access and control over D-Link DCS-930L devices. Given the nature of these devices, which are often used in surveillance and monitoring applications, the potential for misuse is high.
Organizations utilizing these devices must recognize the urgency of addressing this vulnerability. With the device being end-of-life, organizations should consider disconnecting these devices from their networks to prevent exploitation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch 2.12 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using D-Link DCS-930L devices should verify their firmware version and apply patches if available.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize upgrading to the latest firmware version 2.12 or later. If the device is no longer supported or is end-of-life, it is recommended to disconnect it from the network to prevent potential exploitation.
For continued security, organizations may consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual behavior on their networks. Regular security assessments, including penetration testing, can help identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual command executions and unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in device operations should be investigated.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2016-11021 highlights the importance of maintaining updated firmware on all devices connected to the network. This vulnerability represents a trend in IoT device vulnerabilities, where insufficient input validation can lead to severe security flaws.
Security teams should learn from this incident and implement strict validation processes for device inputs. Furthermore, organizations should regularly review their device inventory and ensure that all components are supported and patched.
For more insights on vulnerability management, organizations can refer to the following resources: vulnerability management program design, penetration testing methodology, and cloud penetration testing guide to enhance their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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