CVE-2025-15545 in Archer RE605X
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2026
The backup restore function does not properly validate unexpected or unrecognized tags within the backup file. When such a crafted file is restored, the injected tag is interpreted by a shell, allowing execution of arbitrary commands with root privileges. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to gain root-level command execution, compromising confidentiality, integrity and availability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2026
This vulnerability resides in the backup restore functionality of a system where improper input validation leads to command injection through malformed backup files. The flaw occurs when the system processes backup data containing unexpected or unrecognized tags without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection issue that can be exploited through the manipulation of backup file structures, representing a critical security weakness that directly violates the principle of least privilege and input validation. The absence of proper tag validation creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious shell commands that execute with root privileges, effectively bypassing all standard security controls and access restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the system's failure to properly parse and validate backup file metadata, specifically the handling of tag structures that should be treated as opaque data or rejected entirely. When the restore process encounters these unexpected tags, the system's parsing logic fails to distinguish between legitimate backup metadata and malicious command injection attempts. This design flaw allows crafted backup files to contain shell command sequences that get executed during the restore process, creating a direct execution path for arbitrary code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to privilege escalation through command injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation results in complete system compromise with root-level privileges. Attackers can execute any command they wish on the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or complete system takeover. The availability aspect is compromised as attackers can potentially cause system instability or denial of service through command execution. Confidentiality is breached when attackers gain access to sensitive system data, configuration files, and user information that would normally be protected. Integrity is compromised through the ability to modify system files, install malicious software, or alter backup data to create persistent backdoors. This vulnerability affects the core system functionality and represents a critical weakness in the system's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms for all backup file processing operations. The system must validate all tags and metadata within backup files against a strict whitelist of expected values, rejecting any unrecognized or unexpected elements. Implementing proper shell escaping and command execution isolation can prevent malicious commands from being interpreted and executed. The restore process should operate with minimal required privileges and avoid executing commands directly from backup data. Additionally, implementing proper file format validation and signature verification can help detect and prevent the processing of malformed backup files. Security controls should include regular security assessments of backup and restore functions, input validation testing, and monitoring for suspicious backup file access patterns. The solution must align with security best practices and prevent the execution of untrusted commands while maintaining system functionality and data integrity. This vulnerability requires immediate remediation through code-level fixes that ensure proper validation of all backup file elements before any processing occurs.