CVE-2026-2961 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the D-Link DWR-M960 router, specifically in firmware version 1.01.07. The vulnerability resides in the VPN Configuration Endpoint, within the function sub_4196C4 of the /boafrm/formVpnConfigSetup component. An attacker can exploit this flaw by manipulating the submit-url parameter, which is improperly handled, leading to a stack-based buffer overflow condition. This overflow can corrupt the stack, enabling remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on the device. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction, making it highly accessible to remote attackers. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v4.0 score of 8.7, reflecting its critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently active in the wild, the public disclosure of exploit code increases the likelihood of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects the core VPN configuration functionality, which is critical for secure remote access, thus potentially exposing sensitive network traffic and administrative controls. No official patches or mitigation links have been provided yet, emphasizing the urgency for affected organizations to implement interim protective measures.

The exploitation of CVE-2026-2961 can lead to complete compromise of the affected D-Link DWR-M960 routers. Attackers could execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially gaining administrative control over the device. This control could allow interception or manipulation of VPN traffic, disruption of network services, or pivoting into internal networks. The confidentiality of sensitive data transmitted through the VPN could be breached, integrity of network configurations compromised, and availability of network services disrupted. Organizations relying on these routers for secure remote access or critical network functions face significant operational and security risks. The ease of remote exploitation without authentication amplifies the threat, making large-scale automated attacks feasible. The absence of patches increases exposure duration, and public exploit disclosure may lead to rapid weaponization by threat actors.

Given the absence of official patches, organizations should immediately implement network-level protections to mitigate exploitation risk. These include restricting access to the router’s management and VPN configuration interfaces to trusted IP addresses via firewall rules, disabling remote management if not essential, and monitoring network traffic for anomalous requests targeting the submit-url parameter or /boafrm/formVpnConfigSetup endpoint. Employing intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures tuned to detect buffer overflow attempts against this router model is recommended. Network segmentation should isolate affected devices from critical infrastructure to limit lateral movement if compromised. Organizations should also plan for rapid firmware updates once patches become available from D-Link. Regular backups of router configurations and incident response readiness are advised to minimize downtime and data loss in case of exploitation.