CVE-2025-9528 in E1700
Summary
by MITRE • 08/27/2025
A vulnerability was determined in Linksys E1700 1.0.0.4.003. This vulnerability affects the function systemCommand of the file /goform/systemCommand. Executing manipulation of the argument command can lead to os command injection. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been publicly disclosed and may be utilized. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-9528 represents a critical os command injection flaw within the Linksys E1700 router firmware version 1.0.0.4.003. This issue resides in the systemCommand function located at /goform/systemCommand, which serves as a web interface endpoint for executing system-level commands through the device's management interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, specifically the command argument that is processed without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms. The affected device operates under a web-based administration framework that exposes this function to remote network access, making it susceptible to exploitation by unauthorized parties who can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the affected device. This flaw fundamentally undermines the security boundaries of the router's web interface, creating a pathway for attackers to gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the established patterns of command injection attacks where user-controllable input directly influences the execution of operating system commands. When an attacker submits malicious input through the command parameter of the systemCommand endpoint, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into system execution calls. This allows attackers to append additional commands or manipulate existing command sequences, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as a command injection weakness, which represents one of the most dangerous categories of software vulnerabilities due to its potential for arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over the network without requiring authentication, enabling remote exploitation directly from the internet. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed indicates that attackers have already developed and deployed tools to leverage this weakness, significantly increasing the risk to affected systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it creates a complete compromise of the router's security posture. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full administrative control over the affected Linksys E1700 device, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious firmware, or establish persistent backdoors. The compromised device can then serve as a pivot point for attacking internal network resources, making it a critical threat to enterprise and home network security. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as it allows adversaries to execute commands through the system shell. The router's role as a network gateway means that successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to the entire internal network, bypassing traditional network security controls and potentially enabling lateral movement to other connected devices. Network monitoring systems may not immediately detect this type of attack as it appears to be legitimate system administration activity, making the compromise particularly stealthy.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-9528 require immediate action to address the vulnerability before it can be exploited by malicious actors. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest firmware version provided by Linksys, which should contain patches addressing the command injection flaw in the systemCommand function. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, particularly ensuring that the router's web management interface is not directly accessible from the internet. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual command execution patterns or attempts to access system resources. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests to the affected endpoint, disabling unnecessary administrative interfaces, and conducting thorough network scans to identify all affected devices. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect abnormal command execution patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address router compromise scenarios. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure indicates a potential delay in patch development, emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures and alternative mitigation strategies for organizations unable to wait for official patches.