CVE-2025-22962 in Maxiva UAXT
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2025
A critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability exists in the web-based management interface of GatesAir Maxiva UAXT, VAXT transmitters when debugging mode is enabled. An attacker with a valid session ID (sess_id) can send specially crafted POST requests to the /json endpoint, enabling arbitrary command execution on the underlying system. This vulnerability can lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and potentially full device takeover.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2025
This critical remote code execution vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of GatesAir Maxiva UAXT and VAXT transmitters, representing a severe security flaw that directly impacts operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically manifests when debugging mode is enabled on these industrial communication devices, creating an attack vector that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the /json endpoint, which processes POST requests without proper authorization checks or command filtering. This allows malicious actors with a valid session identifier to inject arbitrary commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, effectively granting them complete control over the affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, which address improper input validation and code injection flaws respectively. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious POST requests containing command injection payloads that are then processed by the vulnerable application layer. The debugging mode serves as an unintended backdoor that should never be enabled in production environments, yet its presence creates a persistent risk for organizations operating these transmitters. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries execute code through legitimate system interfaces. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution, as the compromised system can be used to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or serve as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning for broadcast and telecommunications infrastructure, where these transmitters form critical components of signal distribution networks. A successful exploitation could result in complete service disruption, unauthorized content injection, or data exfiltration from sensitive broadcast operations. Organizations relying on GatesAir Maxiva transmitters face significant risk of unauthorized access to their communication systems, potentially compromising the integrity of broadcast services and violating regulatory requirements for secure communications. The vulnerability's remote nature eliminates the need for physical access or network proximity, making it especially dangerous for critical infrastructure assets. System compromise could lead to denial of service conditions affecting multiple broadcast channels, unauthorized access to proprietary content, or even potential interference with emergency communication systems that rely on these transmitters.
Mitigation strategies must include immediate disabling of debugging mode on all affected devices, as this represents the most effective immediate countermeasure. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to management interfaces, limiting exposure to authorized personnel only. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any other potentially exposed systems within the network infrastructure. Device firmware updates from GatesAir should be applied immediately upon availability, as these patches will address the underlying input validation flaws. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous POST request patterns targeting the /json endpoint, which could indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should establish incident response procedures specifically addressing this vulnerability, including system isolation protocols and forensic analysis capabilities. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls at network perimeters can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security awareness training for personnel managing these systems is essential to ensure proper configuration practices and prevent accidental enabling of debugging features in production environments.