CVE-2025-8636 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-26259.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The CVE-2025-8636 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 resides in the firmware update process where the system fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into system calls, creating an exploitable path for arbitrary code execution. The flaw is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication credentials to exploit, making it accessible to any attacker with physical access to the device, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1543.004 for creating or modifying system level executable files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the firmware update handler, where user-provided strings are directly passed to system execution functions without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. This design flaw allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed with root privileges, effectively providing complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation occurs during the firmware update process, which typically runs with elevated privileges to ensure proper system modifications can be performed. The lack of input validation creates a direct path for command injection attacks, where attacker-controlled commands can be executed in the context of the root user, enabling full system control.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Kenwood DMX958XR devices for critical communication infrastructure, as physical access to the device provides immediate compromise capability. The vulnerability's accessibility without authentication makes it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security may be compromised or where devices are located in accessible areas. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points. The root-level execution context means that the attacker gains complete control over the device's functionality, potentially disrupting communications or using the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This aligns with ATT&CK tactic TA0003 for Persistence and TA0006 for Credential Access.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-8636 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Kenwood to address the command injection vulnerability, while also implementing physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to affected devices. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous firmware update activities or unexpected command executions. Organizations should also consider implementing device access controls and limiting physical access points to critical infrastructure devices. The vulnerability's classification as a command injection flaw necessitates input validation improvements in all system components that handle user-supplied data, particularly those involving system-level operations. Additionally, regular security assessments of firmware update mechanisms and proper privilege separation should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.