CVE-2019-20501: D-Link DWL-2600AP firmware upgrade OS command injection

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 18 September 2026. Confidence: high.

high priorityAuthenticated remote command execution with a public exploit and very high EPSS, but exploitation requires valid admin credentials and local network reach, keeping it below critical.

What it is

The D-Link DWL-2600AP 4.2.0.15 Rev A web interface passes the firmwareRestore and firmwareServerip parameters of admin.cgi?action=upgrade to a shell without sanitizing metacharacters, allowing OS command injection. An authenticated administrator can therefore run arbitrary commands on the device, turning a routine firmware upgrade into full compromise of the access point.

Impact

An attacker with valid admin credentials gains arbitrary command execution as the web service user, leading to full control of the device, its configuration and any traffic it handles. The CVSS vector rates confidentiality, integrity and availability impact all High.

Attack surface

Reached through the device web management interface via admin.cgi?action=upgrade, specifically the firmwareRestore or firmwareServerip parameter. The CVSS vector (AV:L, PR:L, UI:N) indicates local network access and low privileges, meaning valid authentication is required and no user interaction beyond the request.

Exploitation

A public exploit exists in Exploit-DB (EDB-46841), and EPSS is very high at 0.905 (99.8th percentile), though the CVE is not listed in CISA KEV. No ransomware usage is documented.

What to do

• Apply the D-Link vendor patch referenced in SAP10113 as the first action.
• If the device cannot be patched, restrict web management access to a trusted management VLAN and block it from untrusted networks.
• Change default and weak admin credentials and enforce strong unique passwords on the web interface.
• Monitor D-Link support announcements for end-of-life status and replace the device if no fix is available.

Detection

• Inspect web server or proxy logs for requests to admin.cgi?action=upgrade containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, && or backticks in firmwareRestore or firmwareServerip.
• Alert on unexpected child processes or outbound connections originating from the access point after firmware upgrade requests.
• Monitor for repeated authentication to the web interface followed by upgrade requests from unusual source addresses.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.