CVE-2025-8655 in DMX958XR
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2025
Kenwood DMX958XR libSystemLib Command injection Remote Code Execution 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-26314.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The CVE-2025-8655 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in the Kenwood DMX958XR device firmware, specifically within the libSystemLib library component. This vulnerability exposes the device to remote code execution attacks without requiring any authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers who have physical access to the device. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation during the firmware update process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that execute with root privileges. The affected device model DMX958XR falls under the broader category of commercial off-the-shelf audio equipment that may be deployed in enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on such systems for critical communications infrastructure.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which describes command injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or validation. During the firmware update process, the system fails to adequately validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into system calls, creating a direct injection vector. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate the command execution flow by injecting malicious commands that bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue indicates that the attack can be carried out without requiring network connectivity, as the attacker only needs physical presence to interact with the device's update interface. The fact that exploitation occurs with root privileges means that successful attackers can gain complete control over the device, potentially allowing them to modify system configurations, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as it affects the integrity and availability of critical audio communication systems that organizations may rely upon for emergency response, corporate communications, or broadcast services. The lack of authentication requirements means that any individual with physical access to the device can potentially exploit this vulnerability, creating a significant risk for environments where the device might be accessible to unauthorized personnel. Organizations using DMX958XR devices in sensitive locations such as government facilities, healthcare institutions, or critical infrastructure sites face particularly high risk from this vulnerability. The attack surface is further expanded by the potential for attackers to use this vulnerability as a foothold for broader network infiltration, especially if the device is connected to internal networks or integrated with other systems. The vulnerability's nature also suggests potential for persistent compromise, as attackers could install malware that survives device reboots or firmware updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8655 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Kenwood if available, as this represents the most direct solution to address the underlying command injection flaw. Organizations should also implement strict physical access controls to prevent unauthorized individuals from interacting with affected devices during the firmware update process or regular operation. Network segmentation and monitoring of device communications can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other networked devices. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, indicating that exploitation would likely involve injecting commands through the affected interface. Additionally, implementing input validation controls and proper sanitization of all user-supplied data during firmware operations can help prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Organizations should also consider maintaining detailed inventory records of all audio equipment and firmware versions to facilitate rapid response to similar vulnerabilities as they are discovered in the future.