CVE-2025-60676 is a critical unauthenticated command injection vulnerability found in the D-Link DIR-878A1 router firmware version FW101B04.bin. The flaw resides in the 'SetNetworkSettings' functionality within the prog.cgi endpoint, where the parameters 'IPAddress' and 'SubnetMask' are directly concatenated into shell commands executed via the system() call without proper input sanitization or validation. This insecure coding practice allows an attacker to inject arbitrary shell commands by crafting malicious HTTP requests targeting these parameters. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication, an attacker can exploit it remotely over the network, potentially gaining full control over the router. This could lead to device compromise, network traffic interception, lateral movement within the network, or use of the device as a pivot point for further attacks. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no patches or known exploits have been reported publicly. The vulnerability was reserved on 2025-09-26 and published on 2025-11-13. The lack of authentication and direct command execution make this a highly severe threat to affected devices.

For European organizations, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to complete compromise of the affected D-Link DIR-878A1 routers, which are commonly used in small to medium business and home office environments. Attackers could execute arbitrary commands, potentially intercepting or redirecting network traffic, deploying malware, or establishing persistent backdoors. This undermines confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network communications. Given the router’s role as a network gateway, compromise could facilitate lateral movement into internal networks, exposing sensitive data and critical infrastructure. The impact is heightened in sectors with strict data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. Additionally, widespread exploitation could disrupt internet connectivity and services. The absence of authentication and ease of remote exploitation increase the risk of automated mass scanning and attacks targeting European networks.

1. Immediately disable remote management interfaces on affected routers to prevent external exploitation. 2. Segment networks to isolate vulnerable devices from critical infrastructure and sensitive data. 3. Monitor network traffic for unusual HTTP requests targeting prog.cgi or suspicious parameter values. 4. Implement strict firewall rules to restrict access to router management interfaces to trusted IP addresses only. 5. Regularly audit router firmware versions and update to patched versions once available from D-Link. 6. Employ intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) tuned to detect command injection patterns. 7. Educate network administrators about this vulnerability and encourage prompt incident response readiness. 8. If possible, replace vulnerable devices with models confirmed to be free of this vulnerability or with vendor support for timely patches.