CVE-2025-8628 in DMX958XR
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2025
Kenwood DMX958XR Firmware Update Command Injection Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows physically present attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Kenwood DMX958XR devices. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the firmware update process. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it to execute a system call. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-26064.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The CVE-2025-8628 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in the Kenwood DMX958XR device firmware update mechanism. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 attack pattern category, specifically involving command injection where unvalidated user input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. The device's firmware update process fails to implement adequate input validation controls, creating a pathway for malicious command execution. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its requirement for physical presence, which aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1547.001 for hijacking system processes, and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The attack vector demonstrates a privilege escalation scenario where an attacker with physical access can execute commands with root privileges, effectively compromising the entire device.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs during the firmware update process where the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied strings before incorporating them into system calls. This lack of input validation creates a direct command injection opportunity that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the root context of the device. The vulnerability's design flaw stems from improper input handling mechanisms that do not implement proper sanitization or escaping of command arguments, enabling attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the highest system privileges. The absence of authentication requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with physical access to the device, bypassing traditional network-based security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker with physical access can manipulate the device's firmware update process to install malicious payloads, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be used for data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, or as a stepping stone for broader network attacks. The root-level execution capability means that attackers can potentially access all system resources, modify critical device functions, and compromise the integrity of the entire installation. The device's role in communication infrastructure makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on secure communication systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8628 should focus on both immediate operational controls and long-term security enhancements. Organizations must implement strict physical access controls to prevent unauthorized individuals from reaching affected devices, as the vulnerability requires physical presence for exploitation. Immediate firmware updates from Kenwood should be deployed to address the command injection flaw, though this may require careful testing to avoid device functionality disruption. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual firmware update activities or command execution patterns. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing process monitoring and endpoint detection capabilities to identify suspicious command execution patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments should include physical security evaluations to ensure that device access controls remain effective against tampering attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing device integrity verification mechanisms and secure boot processes to prevent unauthorized firmware modifications.