CVE-2025-5441 in RE6500
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2025
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Linksys RE6500, RE6250, RE6300, RE6350, RE7000 and RE9000 1.0.013.001/1.0.04.001/1.0.04.002/1.1.05.003/1.2.07.001. This vulnerability affects the function setDeviceURL of the file /goform/setDeviceURL. The manipulation of the argument DeviceURL leads to os command injection. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2025
This critical vulnerability exists in multiple Linksys router models including RE6500, RE6250, RE6300, RE6350, RE7000, and RE9000 with specific firmware versions 1.0.013.001, 1.0.04.001, 1.0.04.002, 1.1.05.003, and 1.2.07.001. The flaw resides in the setDeviceURL function within the /goform/setDeviceURL endpoint, representing a classic os command injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of the DeviceURL argument parameter, which directly translates into command execution without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This weakness enables attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed within the router's operating system context, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure.
The technical impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to encompass complete system compromise and network infiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this remote code execution flaw to gain unauthorized access to the router's underlying operating system, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates severe implications for network security, as routers serve as primary gateways and control points for network traffic. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used in the wild significantly increases the risk exposure for affected organizations and individuals. This represents a clear violation of security best practices and demonstrates a failure in proper input validation mechanisms that should have prevented command injection attacks at the application layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability poses significant risks to both enterprise and consumer networks, as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network attacks. Network administrators face the challenge of securing devices that may already be compromised without proper visibility into the attack surface. The vulnerability's remote exploitability eliminates the need for physical access or network proximity, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on remote management capabilities. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, which specifically address command injection vulnerabilities and improper neutralization of special elements used in os commands. The attack vector maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services, demonstrating how this vulnerability can facilitate lateral movement and persistence within compromised networks. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation strategies and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Linksys, though the lack of vendor response to early disclosure notifications presents additional challenges. Network administrators should implement network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts, including unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized configuration changes. Access controls and authentication mechanisms should be strengthened around router management interfaces, and network access control lists should be configured to restrict access to administrative functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly in network infrastructure devices that are often overlooked in security assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network equipment. The public disclosure of this exploit emphasizes the critical need for vendors to maintain responsive security communication channels and rapid patch development processes. Without immediate action, affected routers remain vulnerable to exploitation by threat actors seeking to establish persistent network footholds and conduct broader cyber operations against connected networks.