CVE-2019-17621 D-Link DIR-859 Router Command Execution

Exploited in the wild Critical 9.8 Published 30 Dec 2019 Updated 21 Oct 2025

Unauthenticated remote attackers can execute system commands as root on D-Link DIR-859 routers via the UPnP service.

Exploited in the wild: Since 29 Jun 2023
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2019-17621?

CVE-2019-17621 is a critical command injection vulnerability in n/a, published on 30 Dec 2019. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

The UPnP endpoint URL /gena.cgi in the D-Link DIR-859 Wi-Fi router 1.05 and 1.06B01 Beta01 allows an Unauthenticated remote attacker to execute system commands as root, by sending a specially crafted HTTP SUBSCRIBE request to the UPnP service when connecting to the local network.

Weakness: CWE-78

Which versions are affected by CVE-2019-17621?

It affects 14 products.

Products include Dlink Dir-818lx Firmware, Dlink Dir-822 Firmware, Dlink Dir-823 Firmware, Dlink Dir-859 Firmware, Dlink Dir-865l Firmware, Dlink Dir-868l Firmware and 8 more.

How do I fix CVE-2019-17621?

No fix has been published for CVE-2019-17621 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 20 Jul 2023.

Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.

Is CVE-2019-17621 being exploited?

Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2019-17621 in the wild since at least 29 Jun 2023.

Public exploit code: 1 Metasploit module and 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.

CVE-2019-20213 Auth bypass in n/a High 7.5

Sources

Also known as GHSA-4cjx-47hq-7hc2.