CVE-2025-15607: AX53 v1 Command Injection RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-15607 Overview

A command injection vulnerability exists in the TP-Link Archer AX53 v1 router's mscd debug functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input handling that allows log redirection to arbitrary files and concatenation of unvalidated file content into shell commands. This enables authenticated attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the device.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation may allow execution of malicious commands and ultimately full control of the device, compromising network security and potentially enabling lateral movement within the network.

Affected Products

• TP-Link Archer AX53 v1 (firmware versions prior to patched release)
• Devices with mscd debug functionality enabled
• Adjacent network accessible AX53 routers

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-20 - CVE-2025-15607 published to NVD
• 2026-03-24 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-15607

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 mscd debug functionality of the TP-Link Archer AX53 v1 router firmware. The attack requires adjacent network access with high privileges, though once these prerequisites are met, exploitation can lead to complete device compromise.

The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to manipulate the debug logging mechanism to redirect output to arbitrary files. More critically, the contents of these files can then be concatenated into shell commands without proper sanitization or validation, creating a pathway for arbitrary command execution.

Root Cause

The root cause is insufficient input validation and sanitization in the mscd debug functionality. The firmware fails to properly validate:

1. File paths used for log redirection, allowing writes to arbitrary locations
2. File content before concatenation into shell commands, enabling injection of malicious payloads

This lack of input handling creates a two-stage attack vector where an attacker can first plant malicious content via log redirection, then trigger execution through the unsanitized command concatenation.

Attack Vector

The attack requires adjacent network access (same network segment as the router) and authenticated high-privilege access to the device. The exploitation chain involves:

1. Authenticating to the router with administrative credentials
2. Exploiting the debug functionality to redirect logs containing attacker-controlled content to a target file
3. Triggering the vulnerable code path that concatenates the file content into shell commands
4. Executing arbitrary commands with the privileges of the router's operating system

The vulnerability mechanism centers on the log redirection feature accepting user-controlled paths and content without validation. When this content is later processed, shell metacharacters or command sequences embedded in the log data are interpreted as commands. See TP-Link Support FAQ for additional technical context on device security configurations.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-15607

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected files created in non-standard directories on the router filesystem
• Unusual processes spawned from the mscd service context
• Modified system configuration files or unexpected cron jobs
• Outbound network connections from the router to unknown external hosts

Detection Strategies

• Monitor router logs for unusual debug mode activations or mscd service activity
• Implement network monitoring to detect abnormal traffic patterns from router management interfaces
• Deploy SentinelOne Singularity for IoT to detect anomalous device behavior
• Audit administrative access logs for unauthorized login attempts or privilege abuse

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging on network infrastructure devices
• Configure alerts for administrative access from unexpected network segments
• Implement network segmentation to isolate router management interfaces
• Deploy continuous monitoring solutions capable of detecting command injection patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-15607

Immediate Actions Required

• Update TP-Link Archer AX53 v1 firmware to the latest available version immediately
• Restrict administrative access to trusted networks and IP addresses only
• Disable debug functionality if not required for operations
• Audit recent administrative sessions for signs of compromise
• Implement strong, unique administrative credentials

Patch Information

TP-Link has provided firmware updates to address this vulnerability. Administrators should download and apply the latest firmware from the TP-Link Archer AX53 Firmware page. Always verify firmware integrity before installation and follow TP-Link's recommended upgrade procedures.

Workarounds

• Disable the mscd debug functionality until patches can be applied
• Implement strict network segmentation to limit adjacent network access to the router
• Configure firewall rules to restrict management interface access to specific trusted hosts
• Consider using a VPN for remote administration to reduce attack surface
• Monitor and log all administrative access attempts

# Example network isolation configuration (router ACL concept)
# Restrict management interface access to specific admin VLAN
# Deny adjacent network access from untrusted segments
# Note: Actual configuration syntax varies by router firmware
# Consult TP-Link documentation for device-specific commands