CVE-2025-15471: TRENDnet TEW-713RE RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-15471 Overview

A critical OS command injection vulnerability has been identified in the TRENDnet TEW-713RE wireless range extender running firmware version 1.02. The vulnerability exists in an unknown function within the /goformX/formFSrvX file, where improper handling of the SZCMD argument allows remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary operating system commands. This vulnerability is particularly severe as it requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely over the network, potentially allowing complete device compromise.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary OS commands on vulnerable TRENDnet TEW-713RE devices without authentication, leading to complete device compromise, network pivoting, or deployment in botnet operations.

Affected Products

• TRENDnet TEW-713RE Firmware Version 1.02
• TRENDnet TEW-713RE Range Extender (all hardware revisions running vulnerable firmware)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-07 - CVE-2025-15471 published to NVD
• 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-15471

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command), commonly known as Command Injection. The flaw resides in the web management interface of the TRENDnet TEW-713RE range extender, specifically within the formFSrvX function accessible via the /goformX/formFSrvX endpoint.

The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on the SZCMD parameter. When user-supplied input is passed to this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape shell metacharacters before incorporating the input into system commands. This allows an attacker to break out of the intended command context and execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, typically running as root on embedded devices like this range extender.

The exploit has been made publicly available, significantly increasing the risk profile for unpatched devices. TRENDnet was contacted about this disclosure but did not respond, leaving affected users without an official remediation path.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation in the formFSrvX form handler function. The SZCMD parameter accepts user-controlled input that is passed directly to operating system command execution functions without adequate sanitization. This failure to neutralize special characters such as semicolons (;), pipes (|), backticks, and command substitution sequences ($()) enables attackers to chain additional commands to the legitimate operation.

Attack Vector

The attack can be executed remotely over the network by sending a crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint. An attacker would need network access to the device's management interface, which is typically available on the local network. However, if the management interface is exposed to the internet through misconfiguration or port forwarding, the device becomes vulnerable to remote exploitation from anywhere.

The attack does not require any authentication credentials, making it trivially exploitable once network access is obtained. An attacker can inject malicious commands through the SZCMD parameter, which are then executed in the context of the device's operating system. This could enable actions such as establishing reverse shells, modifying device configuration, intercepting network traffic, or using the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network.

Detailed technical information about the exploitation mechanism is available in the Command Injection Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-15471

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual outbound connections from the TRENDnet device to unknown IP addresses
• Unexpected processes running on the device that are not part of normal firmware operation
• Modified configuration files or unauthorized changes to device settings
• HTTP POST requests to /goformX/formFSrvX containing shell metacharacters in the SZCMD parameter
• Evidence of reverse shell connections or command-and-control communications originating from the device

Detection Strategies

• Monitor network traffic for HTTP requests targeting /goformX/formFSrvX endpoints on TRENDnet devices
• Implement IDS/IPS rules to detect common command injection patterns in web requests to IoT devices
• Deploy network segmentation to isolate IoT devices and monitor inter-segment traffic for anomalies
• Use web application firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing shell metacharacters in form parameters

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable logging on network perimeter devices to capture traffic to and from TRENDnet range extenders
• Implement SIEM alerting for multiple failed or malformed requests to device management interfaces
• Conduct periodic network scans to identify exposed TRENDnet device management interfaces
• Monitor for DNS queries or network connections to known malicious infrastructure from IoT device IP addresses

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-15471

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to the TRENDnet TEW-713RE management interface to trusted administrator IP addresses only
• Ensure the device management interface is not exposed to the internet through port forwarding or DMZ configuration
• Implement network segmentation to isolate the vulnerable device from critical network resources
• Consider replacing the device with a supported alternative if TRENDnet does not release a firmware update

Patch Information

As of the last update, TRENDnet has not responded to responsible disclosure attempts and no official patch is available for this vulnerability. Users should monitor TRENDnet's official website and security advisories for any future firmware updates. Additional vulnerability details can be found at VulDB #339721.

Workarounds

• Disable remote management features if not required for device operation
• Place the device behind a firewall that restricts access to the management interface to specific trusted hosts
• Use VLAN segmentation to isolate the device from sensitive network segments containing critical assets
• Monitor device behavior and network traffic for signs of compromise until a patch becomes available

# Example firewall rules to restrict management access (iptables)
# Block external access to the management interface
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s ! 192.168.1.0/24 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s ! 192.168.1.0/24 -j DROP

# Only allow management access from specific admin workstation
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.1.100 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP