CVE-2025-5606 in AC18
Summary
by MITRE • 06/04/2025
A vulnerability was found in Tenda AC18 15.03.05.05. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects the function formSetIptv of the file /goform/SetIPTVCfg. The manipulation of the argument list leads to command injection. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-5606 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Tenda AC18 wireless router firmware version 15.03.05.05. This issue resides in the formSetIptv function located within the /goform/SetIPTVCfg file, which serves as a web interface endpoint for configuring IPTV settings on the device. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters passed to this function, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability's classification as critical reflects the severity of potential impact, as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments where such devices are deployed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the argument list parameter within the formSetIptv function, which directly translates user input into system commands without proper sanitization or validation. This type of flaw falls under CWE-77, Command Injection, which is a well-documented weakness in software security where untrusted data is incorporated into system command execution contexts. The attack vector is remote, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability from outside the local network without requiring physical access or prior authentication to the device. The fact that a public exploit has been disclosed further amplifies the risk, as it removes the requirement for advanced technical skills to leverage this vulnerability, making it accessible to a broader range of threat actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-5606 extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain full administrative control of the affected router. This compromised device can then serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration, enabling attackers to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors within the network. The router's role as a gateway device makes it a critical component in network security, and its compromise can lead to widespread consequences including data exfiltration, network disruption, and potential lateral movement to other connected devices. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that organizations cannot rely on network segmentation or physical security measures alone to protect against this threat, as the attack surface extends to any system capable of reaching the device's web interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-5606 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Tenda, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks. The use of intrusion detection systems and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, disabling unnecessary web interfaces and services on the router, implementing strong network access controls, and regularly auditing device configurations are recommended defensive measures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1566.001 Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it enables attackers to execute malicious commands and potentially deliver further payloads through compromised network devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.