A critical vulnerability has been discovered in D-Link DIR-853 A1 FW1.20B07, specifically a stack-based buffer overflow via the AccountPassword parameter in the SetSysEmailSettings module. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the affected system remotely, posing significant risks to organizations utilizing these devices.
With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability is classified as critical, indicating that its exploitation could result in severe consequences. Attackers may leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control of the device.
Risk to organizations includes potential data breaches and disruptions to services. Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there is no known public exploit available, but the severity of the vulnerability necessitates timely remediation efforts.
Organizations using D-Link DIR-853 A1 FW1.20B07 should take immediate action to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability discovered in D-Link DIR-853 A1 FW1.20B07 is characterized as a stack-based buffer overflow, which can be exploited through the AccountPassword parameter in the SetSysEmailSettings module. The official CVE description specifies that this flaw could lead to unauthorized access and control of the device.
This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.8, which reflects its critical severity. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability due to the potential for remote exploitation without user interaction.
The affected product is the D-Link DIR-853 firmware version 1.20B07, which was published on February 12, 2025. The associated CWE classification is CWE-787, indicating a stack-based buffer overflow.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper handling of input data within the SetSysEmailSettings module of the device's firmware. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted requests that overflow the stack buffer.
The attack vector is network-based, allowing for remote exploitation without the need for physical access to the device. The attack complexity is assessed as low, as it does not require elevated privileges or user interaction.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as attackers may gain full control over the device and manipulate its functionality.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with this vulnerability is significant. Organizations that utilize D-Link DIR-853 devices may face critical threats, including unauthorized access to sensitive information, potential data loss, and service disruptions.
The blast radius for this vulnerability could extend to any organization using affected versions of the D-Link firmware, potentially impacting numerous devices across networks.
Given the critical CVSS score of 9.8 and the known status of this vulnerability, organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation efforts. The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is critical, and organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects D-Link DIR-853 firmware version 1.20B07. Organizations should refer to vendor guidance for any available patches.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest firmware updates provided by D-Link as soon as they become available. If a patch is not available, consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious activity.
For comprehensive security, organizations may also consider engaging in penetration testing to identify other vulnerabilities within their environment.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual activity related to the SetSysEmailSettings module. Additionally, look for behavioral anomalies that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
Network signatures indicating traffic to and from the affected device should also be analyzed to detect potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The emergence of this vulnerability highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and timely patch management in organizational security practices. It serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with outdated firmware.
Security teams should prioritize the assessment of vulnerabilities in network devices, ensuring that all firmware is up to date. For further insights, organizations can explore our penetration testing methodology to strengthen their security posture.
Additionally, understanding the patterns and trends in vulnerabilities, such as this D-Link issue, can guide future security investments. For more information on vulnerability management, please refer to our vulnerability management program design.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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