CVE-2025-48978 in EdgeMAX EdgeSwitch
Summary
by MITRE • 08/21/2025
An Improper Input Validation in EdgeMAX EdgeSwitch (Version 1.11.0 and earlier) could allow a Command Injection by a malicious actor with access to EdgeSwitch adjacent network.
Affected Products:
EdgeMAX EdgeSwitch (Version 1.11.0 and earlier)
Mitigation:
Update the EdgeMAX EdgeSwitch to Version 1.11.1 or later.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48978 represents a critical improper input validation flaw within EdgeMAX EdgeSwitch devices running version 1.11.0 or earlier. This issue stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the device's command processing mechanisms, creating a pathway for command injection attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects network switches that process user input through web interfaces or command-line tools, where malicious actors can exploit the lack of proper input validation to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The security implications are particularly severe given that the attack vector requires only adjacent network access, making it accessible to actors within the same broadcast domain or network segment. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation, and represents a fundamental weakness in the software's defensive programming practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker with adjacent network access submits malicious input to the EdgeSwitch device through its management interfaces. The device fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing it, allowing attackers to inject command sequences that are then executed with the privileges of the affected service account. This command injection capability can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to the device's underlying operating system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network level where attackers can leverage their presence in the adjacent network to execute malicious payloads without requiring physical access or complex remote exploitation techniques. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges, modify network configurations, or even redirect network traffic through this injection point.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-48978 extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of the network infrastructure. Network switches serve as critical components in maintaining network connectivity and security policies, making their compromise a severe threat to overall network security. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially manipulate network traffic flows, disable security features, or establish persistent access points within the network. The affected EdgeSwitch devices are commonly deployed in enterprise and data center environments where network reliability and security are paramount, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these devices often operate with elevated privileges, increasing the potential damage from a successful exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of commands through legitimate system tools.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating EdgeMAX EdgeSwitch devices to version 1.11.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation deficiencies. This update approach follows standard security best practices and represents the most direct method to eliminate the vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize this patch deployment, particularly in environments where adjacent network access is possible or where the devices are critical to network operations. The update process should be carefully planned to minimize service disruption while ensuring complete remediation. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and access controls to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be difficult to detect through normal network monitoring alone. Security teams should verify that all affected devices have been successfully updated and that proper access controls are in place to limit network access to authorized personnel only, thereby reducing the attack surface for similar vulnerabilities.