CVE-2025-14092 Overview
CVE-2025-14092 is an operating system (OS) command injection vulnerability affecting the Edimax BR-6478AC V3 wireless router running firmware version 1.0.15. The flaw resides in the sub_416898 function processing requests to the /boafrm/formDebugDiagnosticRun endpoint. Manipulation of the host argument allows an authenticated attacker to inject arbitrary operating system commands. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network and a public disclosure has been released. The vendor was contacted but did not respond before disclosure.
Critical Impact
Authenticated remote attackers can inject arbitrary operating system commands into the router's diagnostic interface, gaining command execution on the embedded device.
Affected Products
- Edimax BR-6478AC V3 router (hardware)
- Edimax BR-6478AC V3 firmware version 1.0.15
- Devices exposing the /boafrm/formDebugDiagnosticRun web interface
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-05 - CVE-2025-14092 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-14092
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-77] Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command and [CWE-78] Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command. The flaw exists in the diagnostic functionality served by the embedded boa web server. When an authenticated user submits a debug diagnostic request, the host parameter is passed to the sub_416898 function. This function constructs a shell command without sanitizing the user-controlled input. An attacker can append shell metacharacters such as ;, |, or backticks to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying Linux-based router OS. Exploitation requires authenticated access, which limits opportunistic attacks but is feasible against devices using default or weak credentials.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient input validation in sub_416898. The function accepts the host parameter and concatenates it directly into a system command string. No filtering of shell metacharacters or use of safe execution primitives such as execve with argument arrays is performed. This permits command separators within the input to break out of the intended command context.
Attack Vector
The attack is initiated over the network against the router's HTTP management interface. The attacker must possess valid administrative credentials, then send a crafted POST request to /boafrm/formDebugDiagnosticRun with shell metacharacters embedded in the host field. Successful exploitation yields command execution as the web server process, typically running with elevated privileges on embedded routers. The Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) places this vulnerability in the 96th percentile, indicating elevated probability of exploitation despite the authentication requirement.
Verified public exploit code is not included here. See the GitHub CVE Documentation for technical details of the proof of concept.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14092
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST requests to /boafrm/formDebugDiagnosticRun containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &, backticks, $()) in the host parameter.
- Unexpected outbound connections originating from the router management plane to attacker-controlled infrastructure.
- New or modified files in writable filesystem locations on the router, such as /tmp or /var.
- Unusual processes spawned by the boa web server such as sh, wget, tftp, or nc.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs on the router or upstream proxies for requests to the debug diagnostic endpoint containing non-alphanumeric characters in host.
- Monitor network traffic for HTTP requests targeting formDebugDiagnosticRun from internal management workstations or external sources.
- Use network detection rules to flag command injection payload patterns in POST bodies addressed to Edimax management interfaces.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward router syslog and HTTP access logs to a centralized logging platform for correlation and retention.
- Alert on administrative authentication events to the router followed by requests to diagnostic URIs.
- Track DNS queries and outbound flows from router IP addresses for anomalies indicating post-exploitation command and control.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14092
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the router's management interface to trusted internal networks only and disable any wide area network (WAN) administrative access.
- Rotate administrative credentials and remove default accounts on all Edimax BR-6478AC V3 devices.
- Audit web server logs for prior requests to /boafrm/formDebugDiagnosticRun and investigate any matches.
- Segment vulnerable routers from sensitive network zones until a vendor patch is available.
Patch Information
No vendor patch has been published. The vendor was contacted prior to public disclosure but did not respond, according to the VulDB submission. Monitor the Edimax support portal and the VulDB advisory for future firmware updates addressing CVE-2025-14092.
Workarounds
- Disable remote management on the WAN interface through the router administration panel.
- Place affected routers behind a firewall that blocks inbound HTTP and HTTPS to the management port from untrusted networks.
- Consider replacing end-of-life Edimax BR-6478AC V3 devices with a currently supported model that receives security updates.
- Apply access control lists (ACLs) limiting which management workstations can reach the router web interface.
# Example: Block external access to router management interface using iptables on an upstream gateway
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <router_ip> --dport 80 -m iprange ! --src-range 10.0.0.0-10.0.0.255 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp -d <router_ip> --dport 443 -m iprange ! --src-range 10.0.0.0-10.0.0.255 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
