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Critical

RCE via Stack-based Buffer Overflow in D-Link Routers (CVE-2016-5681)

IdentifiersCVE-2016-5681CWE-121

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the dws/api/Login endpoint of multiple D-Link router models (including DIR-850L, DIR-817, DIR-818LW, DIR-822, DIR-823, DIR-895L, DIR-890L, DIR-885L, DIR-880L, DIR-868L) with specific firmware versions. The vulnerability is triggered by sending a long session cookie, which overflows a stack buffer and allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the device. The issue was discovered by Daniel Romero and affects firmware versions prior to the fixed releases for each model.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected routers, leading to full compromise of the device. This could allow attackers to intercept network traffic, modify device configuration, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is rated as critical due to the potential for remote exploitation without authentication.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

If immediate firmware upgrade is not possible, restrict remote access to the router's management interface using network segmentation or firewall rules. Disable remote management features if not required, and ensure only trusted devices can access the administrative interface. Monitor for abnormal device behavior and network traffic indicative of compromise.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade the router firmware to the latest version provided by D-Link for the affected models. D-Link has released patched firmware versions that address this vulnerability. Users should verify their device model and firmware version, and apply the update as soon as possible.
PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

No public exploits tracked yet. Mallory keeps watching.

VALID 0 / 0 TOTALView more in app

No public exploit code observed for this vulnerability.

EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType
D-LinkDir-817l(W) Firmwareoperating_system
D-LinkDir-818l(W) Firmwareoperating_system
D-LinkDir-822 Firmwareoperating_system
D-LinkDir-823 Firmwareoperating_system
D-LinkDir-850l Firmareoperating_system
D-LinkDir-868l Firmwareoperating_system
D-LinkDir-880l Firmwareoperating_system
D-LinkDir-885l Firmwareoperating_system
D-LinkDir-890l Firmwareoperating_system
D-LinkDir-895l Firmwareoperating_system

Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.

ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

1 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.

1 SOURCESView more in app
What this page doesn’t show

The version that knows your environment.

This page is what’s public. Mallory adds the parts that aren’t: which of your assets are affected, which adversaries are exploiting it right now, which detections to deploy, and what to do tonight.
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Exposure mapping

Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.

Threat actor evidence

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware1

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity

Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.

EXTERNAL REFERENCES
MITRE CVE
cve.org · CVE-2016-5681
NVD
nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-5681
MITRE CWE · CWE-121
cwe.mitre.org
Vendor Advisory
supportannouncement.us.dlink.com/announcement/publication.aspx?name=SAP10063
Third Party Advisory
kb.cert.org/vuls/id/332115
Third Party Advisory
securityfocus.com/bid/92427