CVE-2025-29223 in E5600
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2025
Linksys E5600 v1.1.0.26 was discovered to contain a command injection vulnerability via the pt parameter in the traceRoute function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-29223 affects the Linksys E5600 router firmware version 1.1.0.26, representing a critical command injection flaw that exposes the device to remote exploitation. This vulnerability resides within the traceRoute function of the router's web interface, specifically through improper input validation of the pt parameter. The flaw allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling full system compromise. The issue stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input before being passed to system commands, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the router's underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which categorizes command injection flaws as a serious security weakness affecting software that executes operating system commands without proper input validation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which describes executing malicious code through command and scripting interpreter, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the router's web interface accepting the pt parameter through HTTP requests and directly incorporating its value into system commands without adequate sanitization or encoding. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the router processes the command without proper validation, allowing for arbitrary command execution. This flaw enables attackers to perform operations such as reading system files, modifying configurations, accessing network traffic, or even installing backdoors on the affected device. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as it can provide attackers with persistent access to the network through the compromised router, which serves as a gateway for all network traffic. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a consumer-grade router that typically operates in unsecured environments without proper network segmentation, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to establish footholds within networks. The lack of authentication requirements for this particular function further exacerbates the risk, as exploitation can occur without prior authorization.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for both individual users and enterprise networks that rely on Linksys E5600 routers. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain persistent access to network infrastructure, potentially enabling them to monitor traffic, redirect requests, or launch further attacks against internal systems. The compromised router can serve as a pivot point for lateral movement within networks, especially in environments where proper network segmentation is lacking. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, network disruption, or complete loss of control over their network infrastructure. The vulnerability also poses risks to IoT device ecosystems that may depend on the router for network connectivity, as compromised routers can affect the security posture of entire connected device networks. The persistence of the vulnerability across firmware version 1.1.0.26 indicates that the manufacturer has not yet addressed this specific flaw, leaving affected devices exposed to potential exploitation. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where network security monitoring is limited, as the malicious commands may go undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-29223 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Linksys if available, though the vulnerability appears to persist in the affected version. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential compromise, ensuring that even if a router is breached, attackers cannot easily move laterally within the network. The deployment of intrusion detection systems and network monitoring tools can help detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network access control lists and firewall rules to restrict access to the router's web interface from untrusted networks. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other network infrastructure devices. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide an additional layer of protection by filtering malicious inputs before they reach the vulnerable functions. Security teams should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing router compromise scenarios, including procedures for network isolation, forensic analysis, and recovery operations. Until a permanent fix is available, network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary services and restricting administrative access to the affected router through physical or network-based controls.