CVE-2025-8646 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-26269.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The CVE-2025-8646 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 specifically targets the firmware update process where the device fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into system commands. The flaw exists in the device's update handling code where malicious input is directly passed to system call functions without adequate sanitization or validation. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, effectively gaining complete control over the affected device. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its requirement for physical presence only, meaning attackers need not possess network access or authentication credentials to exploit the flaw. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where physical access to devices is possible but not strictly controlled. The vulnerability was identified and tracked as ZDI-CAN-26269, highlighting the critical nature of the flaw in industrial and commercial radio equipment. The device's firmware update process represents a privileged execution path that should normally be protected against malicious input injection, but instead provides an attack surface where unvalidated user input can be leveraged for system compromise. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation further reduces the barrier for attackers to gain root-level access to the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection pattern where user-controllable data flows directly into system command execution contexts. The firmware update mechanism appears to construct system commands by concatenating user-provided strings without proper input validation or sanitization, creating a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious commands. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through vulnerable interfaces. The attack vector leverages the physical presence requirement by allowing an attacker to manipulate the firmware update process through direct input manipulation, potentially through USB interfaces or other physical connection methods. The root privilege execution context means that successful exploitation results in complete system compromise with no additional privilege escalation required. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to full device control, potentially allowing attackers to modify firmware, disable security features, or establish persistent access points. This type of flaw in embedded devices represents a significant concern for industrial control systems and commercial radio equipment where physical access is often possible but not adequately secured.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-8646 extends beyond immediate device compromise to potential network-wide consequences in environments where these devices are deployed. The vulnerability affects Kenwood DMX958XR devices that are commonly used in commercial radio applications, emergency services communications, and industrial monitoring systems where device reliability and security are paramount. An attacker with physical access could potentially use this vulnerability to gain unauthorized control of critical communication equipment, potentially disrupting emergency services or industrial operations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires physical presence but does not require network connectivity, making it particularly concerning for devices that are physically secured but not properly isolated from unauthorized access. The lack of authentication requirements means that even individuals with minimal technical knowledge could potentially exploit this vulnerability if they have physical access to the device. This vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in environments where these devices are used for critical infrastructure protection, as compromise of such equipment could lead to significant operational disruptions or security breaches. The potential for persistent access through firmware manipulation means that an attacker could maintain control over the device even after the initial exploitation attempt, making detection and remediation more difficult.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8646 should focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate mitigation involves applying firmware updates from Kenwood that address the command injection vulnerability in the firmware update process. Organizations should also implement strict physical access controls to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing devices that could be exploited through this vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual firmware update activities or command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in embedded systems and recommends implementing proper sanitization of all user-supplied data before it can be used in system command contexts. Security professionals should consider implementing device integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized firmware modifications that could result from exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments of embedded devices should include evaluation of update mechanisms and input validation controls to prevent similar command injection vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should maintain up-to-date threat intelligence on vulnerabilities affecting industrial control systems and commercial radio equipment to ensure rapid response to emerging threats. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the need for comprehensive security testing of all device interfaces, particularly those that handle privileged operations such as firmware updates.