CVE-2025-8630 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-26253.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The CVE-2025-8630 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in the Kenwood DMX958XR device firmware update mechanism, classified under CWE-77 as improper neutralization of special elements used in a command. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of physical security and software integrity, creating a significant risk for devices that require physical access for exploitation. The flaw specifically manifests during the firmware update process where the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into system commands, creating an attack vector that bypasses traditional authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its requirement for physical presence, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1547.001 for registry run keys and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, though the execution occurs at a lower privilege level before escalating to root context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the firmware update component of the DMX958XR device, where a user-provided string is directly concatenated into a system call without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This design flaw allows an attacker with physical access to manipulate the firmware update process by injecting malicious commands that execute with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates a classic command injection pattern where attacker-controlled data flows into an operating system command without proper validation, enabling arbitrary code execution at the root level. The lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it eliminates the need for credential compromise, directly enabling privilege escalation through physical access.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-8630 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential network infiltration. Once exploited, the attacker gains root-level access to the device, enabling complete control over the system's operations, including but not limited to modification of firmware, access to sensitive data, and potential use as a pivot point for broader network attacks. The vulnerability's presence in a device that typically operates in critical infrastructure environments creates cascading security risks, particularly if the device serves as a gateway or communication hub. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is compromised or where devices are deployed in accessible locations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8630 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves implementing firmware updates from Kenwood to address the specific input validation flaw, though organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit physical access to affected devices. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, suggesting that defensive measures should include monitoring for unusual command execution patterns and implementing device access controls. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary firmware update interfaces, implementing physical security controls such as locked device enclosures, and establishing regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other networked devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing physical security breaches involving networked devices.