CVE-2021-28838 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2021-28838 article provides insights into a null pointer dereference vulnerability found in various D-Link devices, leading to potential crashes due to a specific network package triggering an 'atoi' operation in the httpd binary.

Understanding CVE-2021-28838

This section delves into the nature of the CVE-2021-28838 vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2021-28838?

The CVE-2021-28838 pertains to a null pointer dereference vulnerability in multiple D-Link devices, causing crashes when a particular network package triggers an 'atoi' operation in the httpd binary.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28838

The impact of this vulnerability could result in denial of service (DoS) situations, where attackers could potentially exploit this flaw to cause system crashes or disruptions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28838

This section provides a deeper look into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-28838, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the sbin/httpd binary in models such as DAP-2310, DAP-2360, DAP-2553, among others, leading to crashes during the 'atoi' operation triggered by specific network packages.

Affected Systems and Versions

D-Link devices affected include DAP-2310 2.10RC039, DAP-2330 1.10RC036 BETA, DAP-2360 2.10RC055, DAP-2553 3.10rc039 BETA, DAP-2660 1.15rc131b, DAP-2690 3.20RC115 BETA, DAP-2695 1.20RC093, DAP-3320 1.05RC027 BETA, and DAP-3662 1.05rc069.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited when malicious network packages are sent to the httpd binary, triggering the 'atoi' operation and potentially leading to system crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we explore the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-28838 and safeguard affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to update affected devices with the latest firmware or security patches provided by D-Link to mitigate the vulnerability's exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing network segmentation, access control measures, and regular security audits can enhance the overall security posture and prevent potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor D-Link's security advisories and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and bolster the security of the affected devices.