CVE-2025-14094 Overview
A critical OS command injection vulnerability has been discovered in the Edimax BR-6478AC V3 wireless router firmware version 1.0.15. The vulnerability exists in the sub_44CCE4 function within the /boafrm/formSysCmd endpoint, allowing remote authenticated attackers to inject arbitrary operating system commands through manipulation of the sysCmd argument. This flaw enables attackers with administrative access to execute commands directly on the underlying operating system of the affected device.
Critical Impact
Remote authenticated attackers can achieve full system compromise through OS command injection, potentially leading to complete device takeover, network pivoting, and persistent access to the affected router.
Affected Products
- Edimax BR-6478AC V3 Firmware version 1.0.15
- Edimax BR-6478AC V3 Hardware
Discovery Timeline
- December 5, 2025 - CVE-2025-14094 published to NVD
- December 11, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-14094
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as both CWE-77 (Command Injection) and CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command). The root issue lies in the improper handling of user-supplied input within the web management interface of the Edimax BR-6478AC V3 router.
The affected function sub_44CCE4 processes HTTP requests sent to the /boafrm/formSysCmd endpoint without adequately sanitizing the sysCmd parameter. When an authenticated administrator accesses this endpoint and provides a crafted payload, the input is passed directly to system command execution routines without proper validation or escaping of shell metacharacters.
While the vulnerability requires administrative privileges to exploit, this represents a significant risk as router credentials are frequently weak or left at default values. Once exploited, an attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, typically running as root on embedded devices.
Root Cause
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the firmware's web application layer. The sub_44CCE4 function fails to sanitize special characters and shell metacharacters from the sysCmd parameter before incorporating it into system command execution calls. This allows attackers to break out of the intended command context and inject additional commands using shell operators such as semicolons, pipes, or command substitution syntax.
Attack Vector
The attack is initiated remotely over the network through the device's web management interface. An attacker with valid administrative credentials can craft a malicious HTTP request targeting the /boafrm/formSysCmd endpoint. By injecting shell metacharacters and additional commands into the sysCmd parameter, the attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the underlying Linux-based operating system.
The exploit has been publicly disclosed and documented. Technical details and proof-of-concept information are available through the GitHub CVE Documentation and VulDB entry #334484.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14094
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP requests to /boafrm/formSysCmd containing shell metacharacters (;, |, $(), backticks)
- Anomalous outbound network connections from the router to unknown external hosts
- Unusual processes spawned by the web server process on the device
- Modified configuration files or unexpected file system changes on the router
Detection Strategies
- Monitor web server access logs for requests to /boafrm/formSysCmd with suspicious parameter values
- Implement network-based intrusion detection rules to identify command injection patterns in HTTP traffic to the router management interface
- Deploy network segmentation to isolate router management interfaces and monitor for unauthorized access attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable logging on the router management interface and forward logs to a centralized SIEM solution
- Establish baseline network behavior for the router and alert on deviations such as unexpected outbound connections
- Periodically audit router configurations for unauthorized modifications
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14094
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the router's web management interface to trusted internal networks only
- Change default administrative credentials to strong, unique passwords
- Disable remote management access if not required
- Implement network segmentation to isolate the router management plane from untrusted networks
Patch Information
At the time of disclosure, the vendor Edimax was contacted regarding this vulnerability but did not respond. No official patch is currently available from the vendor. Organizations should monitor Edimax support channels for future firmware updates and apply them immediately when released.
For the latest technical details and vulnerability status, refer to VulDB entry #334484.
Workarounds
- Disable the web management interface entirely if administration can be performed through alternative methods
- Implement firewall rules to block external access to the router's administrative ports
- Use a VPN to access the router management interface rather than exposing it directly
- Consider replacing the affected device with a supported product if no patch becomes available
# Example: Restrict management interface access using firewall rules
# Block external access to web management port (typically 80/443)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
