CVE-2025-44872 in AC9
Summary
by MITRE • 05/02/2025
Tenda AC9 V15.03.06.42_multi was found to contain a command injection vulnerability in the formsetUsbUnload function via the deviceName parameter. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-44872 affects the Tenda AC9 router model running firmware version V15.03.06.42_multi and represents a critical command injection flaw within the device's web interface management functionality. This vulnerability resides in the formsetUsbUnload function which processes the deviceName parameter, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary commands into the system. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the router's web application layer, allowing unauthorized users to bypass normal security controls and execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a widely deployed networking device that typically operates in residential and small office environments where security awareness may be limited.
The technical exploitation of this command injection vulnerability follows established patterns documented in CWE-77 and CWE-94, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. Attackers can craft malicious requests containing specially formatted deviceName parameters that, when processed by the vulnerable formsetUsbUnload function, result in arbitrary command execution on the underlying operating system. This vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as executing shell commands, accessing sensitive system files, modifying network configurations, or even installing persistent backdoors on the device. The attack surface is particularly broad as the vulnerability can be exploited through web-based interfaces, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring physical access to the device. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as the vulnerability allows exploitation of legitimate administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to encompass comprehensive system compromise and potential network infiltration. Once exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the router's functionality, potentially using it as a pivot point for accessing internal network resources, conducting man-in-the-middle attacks, or establishing persistent access to the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target affected devices from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for users who have exposed their router management interfaces to public networks. Network administrators face significant challenges in detecting such compromises, as malicious activities may appear as legitimate administrative actions within system logs. The vulnerability also poses risks to data privacy and network integrity, as attackers can potentially intercept or manipulate network traffic flowing through the compromised device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-44872 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as the vendor is likely to release patches addressing the command injection vulnerability. Organizations and individuals should implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems from potentially compromised routers, while also applying network access controls to restrict access to router management interfaces. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns or command execution attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security best practices including disabling unnecessary services, changing default credentials, and implementing multi-factor authentication for router access should be enforced. Additionally, network administrators should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify and remediate similar issues across all network devices. The remediation process should also include network traffic analysis to ensure no exploitation has occurred, as the vulnerability may have been used to establish persistent access to the network environment.