CVE-2025-8632 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-26255.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The CVE-2025-8632 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 exists within the device's firmware update process where user-supplied input is not properly validated before being used in system calls, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution. The flaw is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication for exploitation, making it accessible to physically present attackers who can directly interact with the device's update interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization during firmware update operations, allowing an attacker to inject malicious commands that execute with the highest privilege level available to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, effectively compromising the entire device. This command injection vulnerability allows an attacker to gain complete control over the device's functionality, potentially enabling them to modify firmware, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points. The attack vector requires physical presence but represents a significant risk in environments where such devices might be accessible to unauthorized personnel, particularly in enterprise settings where radio communication equipment is deployed. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation issue means that successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, potentially affecting network security and communication integrity.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected devices, disabling unnecessary firmware update interfaces when not actively required, and ensuring physical security controls are enforced around deployment locations. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the system call execution to run malicious commands. Organizations should also consider implementing firmware integrity monitoring solutions and regularly updating device firmware to address known vulnerabilities. Given the physical access requirement, administrative controls such as access logging and device monitoring can provide additional layers of defense against unauthorized exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in all system components and demonstrates why robust security practices must be implemented throughout the entire device lifecycle, from initial deployment through ongoing maintenance and monitoring.