CVE-2025-29534 in PowerStick Dual-Band Wifi Extender
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2025
An authenticated remote code execution vulnerability in PowerStick Wave Dual-Band Wifi Extender V1.0 allows an attacker with valid credentials to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The issue stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input in the /cgi-bin/cgi_vista.cgi executable, which is passed to a system-level function call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical authenticated remote code execution flaw in the PowerStick Wave Dual-Band Wifi Extender version 1.0 device. The security weakness manifests within the /cgi-bin/cgi_vista.cgi executable where user-supplied input fails to undergo proper sanitization before being processed by system-level functions. This design flaw creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation from authenticated user level to root privileges, enabling attackers with valid credentials to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and privilege escalation, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal attacker privileges to achieve maximum system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-77 and CWE-78 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The flaw specifically demonstrates a command injection vulnerability where unfiltered user input is directly passed to system execution functions, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be interpreted and executed with elevated privileges. This pattern of vulnerability is consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage system-level command execution capabilities to gain further control over compromised systems. The device's web interface serves as the attack vector, making the exploitation accessible through standard network protocols and common web-based attack methodologies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the network infrastructure. An attacker with valid credentials can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The dual-band wireless capabilities of the extender amplify the potential attack surface, as compromised devices can serve as wireless access points for further network penetration. The root privilege escalation aspect means that even if initial access is gained through legitimate user credentials, the compromised device becomes a fully functional attack platform with complete control over the wireless infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from the vendor, as the flaw exists within the device's core executable code. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting access to the device's web interface. Implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized configuration changes provides additional defense layers. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure should include evaluation of IoT device security posture, particularly focusing on web interfaces and executable components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and privilege separation in embedded systems, emphasizing that devices with web interfaces require robust security measures to prevent command injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing device authentication mechanisms and regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their network infrastructure.