CVE-2025-9745 in DI-500WF
Summary
by MITRE • 09/01/2025
A security vulnerability has been detected in D-Link DI-500WF 14.04.10A1T. The impacted element is an unknown function of the file /version_upgrade.asp of the component jhttpd. The manipulation of the argument path leads to os command injection. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed publicly and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-9745 represents a critical security flaw in D-Link DI-500WF wireless router firmware version 14.04.10A1T. This issue resides within the jhttpd web server component and specifically affects the /version_upgrade.asp file which handles firmware update operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within an unknown function that processes user-supplied path arguments, creating a dangerous condition where maliciously crafted inputs can be executed as operating system commands. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a direct variant of command injection flaws that have been consistently ranked among the top security risks in industry assessments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the path argument parameter within the version upgrade functionality. When an attacker crafts malicious input containing OS command characters or sequences, the vulnerable function fails to properly sanitize this input before executing it within the operating system context. This allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on network devices. The remote attack vector means that an unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for devices that are accessible from the internet. The publicly disclosed exploit demonstrates that this vulnerability is not theoretical but actively being used by threat actors, increasing the urgency for remediation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise of the affected D-Link router. Successful exploitation enables attackers to gain full control over the device, potentially allowing them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, install persistent backdoors, or use the compromised device as a launch point for attacks against other systems within the local network. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise environments where these devices may serve as network gateways or provide access to sensitive internal resources. Network administrators face significant challenges in detecting such compromises since the attack may not immediately manifest in obvious network traffic patterns, and the device continues to operate normally while serving as a covert channel for malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-9745 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link as the primary defense mechanism, given that this vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and actively exploited. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical systems and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block malicious command injection patterns targeting the specific endpoint /version_upgrade.asp. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for functions handling user-supplied data in network device firmware, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques that emphasize command execution and privilege escalation through web application vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected D-Link devices and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to network device compromises, ensuring rapid detection and remediation of similar vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.