CVE-2025-27558
CVE-2025-27558
Weakness (CWE)
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- None
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- None
Description
IEEE P802.11-REVme D1.1 through D7.0 allows FragAttacks against mesh networks. In mesh networks using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2, or WPA3) or Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), an adversary can exploit this vulnerability to inject arbitrary frames towards devices that support receiving non-SSP A-MSDU frames. NOTE: this issue exists because of an incorrect fix for CVE-2020-24588. P802.11-REVme, as of early 2025, is a planned release of the 802.11 standard.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2025-27558
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2025-27558 CVSS Score: 9.1
The vulnerability CVE-2025-27558 affects the IEEE P802.11-REVme D1.1 through D7.0 standards, specifically in mesh networks utilizing Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2, or WPA3) or Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). The high CVSS score of 9.1 indicates a critical vulnerability that poses a significant risk to affected systems. This vulnerability allows for FragAttacks, which can be exploited to inject arbitrary frames into devices that support receiving non-SSP A-MSDU frames. The issue arises from an incorrect fix for CVE-2020-24588, highlighting the importance of thorough patch validation.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Mesh Networks: The primary attack vector is mesh networks, which are often used in environments requiring extended wireless coverage, such as large enterprises, campuses, and smart cities.
- Wi-Fi Security Protocols: The vulnerability affects networks using WPA, WPA2, WPA3, and WEP, making it a broad-spectrum threat.
Exploitation Methods:
- Frame Injection: An attacker can inject arbitrary frames into the network, potentially leading to data manipulation, denial of service (DoS), or unauthorized access.
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can intercept and modify network traffic, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of communications.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- Mesh Networks: Any mesh network implementing the IEEE P802.11-REVme D1.1 through D7.0 standards.
- Wi-Fi Devices: Devices that support receiving non-SSP A-MSDU frames, including routers, access points, and client devices.
Software Versions:
- IEEE P802.11-REVme D1.1 through D7.0: Specific versions of the standard that have not been patched to address this vulnerability.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Patch Management: Ensure that all affected devices are updated with the latest firmware and software patches that address CVE-2025-27558.
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the spread of potential attacks within the mesh network.
- Monitoring and Detection: Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to monitor for suspicious activities and potential exploitation attempts.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- Security Best Practices: Follow best practices for Wi-Fi security, including strong encryption protocols and regular updates.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
The discovery of CVE-2025-27558 underscores the ongoing challenges in securing wireless networks, particularly mesh networks that are increasingly used in various sectors. The vulnerability highlights the need for robust security measures and continuous monitoring to protect against evolving threats. The impact on the cybersecurity landscape includes:
- Increased Awareness: Greater emphasis on the security of mesh networks and the importance of thorough patch validation.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Organizations may adopt more stringent security protocols and regular audits to mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- Research and Development: Encourages further research into secure wireless communication standards and the development of more resilient protocols.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Technical Overview:
- FragAttacks: These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in the fragmentation and aggregation mechanisms of Wi-Fi, allowing an attacker to inject malicious frames.
- Non-SSP A-MSDU Frames: These frames are used in mesh networks to aggregate multiple MSDUs into a single A-MSDU, which can be exploited if not properly secured.
Detection and Response:
- Log Analysis: Analyze network logs for unusual frame injection activities and unauthorized access attempts.
- Incident Response: Develop and implement an incident response plan tailored to mesh network vulnerabilities, including containment, eradication, and recovery procedures.
Preventive Measures:
- Secure Configuration: Ensure that all Wi-Fi devices are configured with the latest security settings and protocols.
- User Education: Educate users on the importance of maintaining strong Wi-Fi security practices and reporting any suspicious activities.
In conclusion, CVE-2025-27558 represents a critical vulnerability in mesh networks using specific Wi-Fi security protocols. Addressing this vulnerability requires a combination of immediate mitigation strategies and long-term security enhancements to protect against potential exploitation and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of wireless communications.