CVE-2025-8645 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-26268.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The CVE-2025-8645 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw within the firmware update functionality of Kenwood DMX958XR devices, fundamentally compromising the security posture of these communication systems. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of firmware security and privilege escalation, creating a severe risk for organizations relying on these devices for critical communications infrastructure. The flaw specifically manifests during the firmware update process where the system fails to properly validate user-supplied input before executing system calls, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious code execution. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its requirement for physical presence, which aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter execution, while the lack of authentication requirements places it in the category of low-barrier attack vectors that can be exploited by attackers with minimal privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the device's firmware update handler, which directly translates user-provided strings into system commands without proper sanitization or verification. This primitive flaw creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious commands that execute with the highest privileges available to the firmware update process, typically root or administrative privileges within the device's operating environment. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only physical access to the device, eliminating the need for network connectivity or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-77 command injection vulnerability, where the system fails to properly sanitize input before using it in a command execution context, allowing attackers to manipulate the command execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over the affected devices, modify firmware configurations, disable security features, or establish persistent access points for further network infiltration. The root-level execution context provides attackers with unrestricted access to the device's core functionality, including the ability to modify network settings, access stored credentials, or redirect communication traffic. Organizations utilizing these devices in critical infrastructure applications face significant risks, as the vulnerability could be exploited to disrupt communications, compromise sensitive data transmission, or create backdoor access points that persist even after device reboots or firmware updates. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these devices are often deployed in environments where physical access controls may be inadequate, such as in public spaces or remote locations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8645 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Kenwood if available, while implementing strict physical access controls to prevent unauthorized individuals from interacting with affected devices. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around firmware update activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, with recommendations to implement proper sanitization of all user inputs before system command execution. Security teams should also consider implementing device integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized firmware modifications or unusual command execution patterns, aligning with defensive strategies outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for critical infrastructure protection.