CVE-2025-8644 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-26267.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The CVE-2025-8644 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 exposes devices to arbitrary code execution through a path traversal attack vector that operates without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for physically present attackers who can exploit the flaw directly on the device. The vulnerability specifically targets the firmware update process where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being passed to system calls, creating an exploitable command injection condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the firmware update component of the Kenwood DMX958XR system. When the device processes firmware update commands, it fails to properly validate or sanitize user-provided strings before incorporating them into system execution contexts. This flaw allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that get executed with root privileges, effectively providing complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the system call level where the device's firmware update handler directly executes commands without proper sanitization, creating a direct path for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential network infiltration. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication and can be exploited by physically present attackers, it creates a significant risk for devices deployed in environments where unauthorized physical access is possible. An attacker who gains physical access to the device can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the device. The root-level execution context provides attackers with complete control over the device's functionality, potentially allowing them to manipulate audio processing capabilities, access network configurations, or use the device as a pivot point for attacks on other networked systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8644 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Kenwood if available, as this represents the most effective solution to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to affected devices, including securing device locations and implementing access controls. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around firmware update activities. The vulnerability's nature suggests that input sanitization and validation should be strengthened at all points where user-supplied data enters system execution contexts, aligning with defensive programming practices recommended by OWASP and NIST guidelines. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other firmware components, as this vulnerability demonstrates a pattern of insufficient input validation in critical system functions.