D-Link says “just buy a new router” after 9.8 critical vulnerability…

Summary

In this video, the host discusses the alarming vulnerabilities in D-Link NAS devices and routers, which have reached their end of life and are no longer receiving critical updates. These flaws, including a dangerous 9.8-rated bug, allow hackers to remotely execute commands and potentially steal data. The host emphasizes the impact of planned obsolescence in tech products and offers a hands-on look at how these vulnerabilities can be exploited. The video also touches on ethical hacking and encourages viewers to explore tools like Metasploit and nmap for pen testing, while highlighting the importance of securing devices.

Takeaways

• 😀 D-Link devices are vulnerable to critical security flaws that can allow remote code execution, putting your network and data at risk.
• 😀 A 9.8 critical vulnerability affects D-Link NAS devices, while a separate buffer overflow vulnerability targets D-Link routers.
• 😀 Both vulnerabilities can be exploited by malicious actors to steal data, launch ransomware attacks, or hijack devices for malicious purposes.
• 😀 D-Link has stopped providing updates for these devices after reaching their 'End of Life,' leaving users exposed to security risks.
• 😀 The concept of planned obsolescence, where companies intentionally end product support, is highlighted as a strategy to increase profits, using D-Link's lack of updates as an example.
• 😀 Ethical hacking practices are emphasized: it's illegal to exploit security flaws without permission, and users should only use exploits in authorized environments.
• 😀 The video demonstrates how hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities using tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and simple bash scripts.
• 😀 Nmap can be used to scan networks and find vulnerable devices, while online tools like Fofa help identify publicly accessible devices exposed to the internet.
• 😀 One method of exploiting the NAS vulnerability involves injecting commands into the device's 'account manager' endpoint using a simple GitHub-hosted script.
• 😀 The video offers a critique of D-Link’s business strategy, suggesting that rather than fixing vulnerabilities, the company prefers to let devices become obsolete and force customers to buy new products.
• 😀 The video also promotes an open-source tool called PostHog, which helps businesses understand and improve their product through better analytics and testing tools.

Q & A

What are the vulnerabilities discussed in the video related to D-Link NAS and routers?

The video highlights critical vulnerabilities in D-Link NAS devices and routers, specifically a remote code execution risk caused by a 9.8 CVE vulnerability in the devices. Additionally, the devices are affected by buffer overflow and command injection bugs, which can lead to unauthorized access and data theft.

Why are these vulnerabilities not going to be fixed by D-Link?

The devices have reached their end of life (EOL) status, meaning D-Link is no longer providing support or releasing security updates. Once a product reaches EOL, the manufacturer is typically off the hook for addressing new security flaws.

What is planned obsolescence, and how does it apply to D-Link's devices?

Planned obsolescence refers to the practice of designing products to have a limited lifespan or to become outdated quickly. In the case of D-Link, once the devices reached their EOL, the company stopped fixing vulnerabilities, leaving users exposed to security risks. This is a common issue in technology, where companies stop supporting older products even when they still function.

How can ethical hackers exploit the vulnerabilities in D-Link NAS devices?

Ethical hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a GET request with a malicious input to the vulnerable `account_manager.cgi` endpoint. This command injection exploits a flaw where the system runs the injected commands on the operating system, allowing attackers to gain a reverse shell and control the device.

What tools are used for pen-testing these D-Link devices?

The video demonstrates the use of several tools for penetration testing, including Nmap for network scanning, Metasploit for exploiting known vulnerabilities, and a GitHub-hosted Bash script that automates the exploitation of the D-Link NAS vulnerabilities.

What is the importance of Nmap in penetration testing?

Nmap is a powerful tool used in penetration testing to scan networks and identify connected devices, including vulnerable ones like D-Link NAS devices. It helps pen-testers map out the network and find potential targets that are exposed to security risks.

Why is it critical to only perform hacking activities with permission?

Hacking without permission is illegal and unethical. It's important to conduct ethical hacking activities in controlled environments or with explicit authorization to avoid legal consequences and potential harm to individuals or organizations.

What does the bash script provided in the video do?

The Bash script in the video automates the exploitation of the D-Link NAS vulnerability by sending a GET request to a vulnerable endpoint, injecting a malicious command. This command is executed by the device due to a lack of input sanitization, allowing the attacker to gain unauthorized access.

What are some alternatives to D-Link devices in terms of security?

The video humorously suggests that users should buy new devices from Circuit City, though the real takeaway is that users should invest in products that offer continued support and timely security patches. There are many modern alternatives that focus on security, with regular firmware updates and strong protection against vulnerabilities.

What is PostHog, and how does it relate to the video's discussion?

PostHog is an open-source product analytics tool mentioned in the video. It helps developers analyze, test, and improve their products by providing features like web analytics, session replays, A/B testing, and feature flags. The video suggests using such tools to build products that are secure, well-loved by users, and continuously improved based on customer feedback.