CVE-2025-41265 Overview
CVE-2025-41265 is an OS Command Injection vulnerability [CWE-78] affecting the Administration WebUI of the Waterfall WF-500 TX Host. Nozomi Networks Labs identified the flaw in firmware version 7.9.1.0 R2502171040. The vulnerability allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the underlying host. Successful exploitation impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device. The WF-500 is a unidirectional security gateway commonly deployed in operational technology (OT) and industrial control environments.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary OS commands on Waterfall WF-500 TX Host devices through the Administration WebUI, compromising a security gateway positioned between IT and OT networks.
Affected Products
- Waterfall Security WF-500 hardware appliance
- Waterfall Security WF-500 firmware version 7.9.1.0 R2502171040
- WF-500 TX Host Administration WebUI component
Discovery Timeline
- Vulnerability identified by Nozomi Networks Labs
- 2026-05-29 - CVE-2025-41265 published to NVD
- 2026-06-01 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-41265
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Administration WebUI of the Waterfall WF-500 TX Host. The WebUI accepts user-supplied input that is passed to an operating system shell without proper neutralization of special elements. An authenticated attacker reachable over the network can inject shell metacharacters into a vulnerable parameter to execute arbitrary commands. Commands run in the context of the WebUI process on the TX Host, giving attackers code execution on the device. Because the WF-500 enforces unidirectional data flows between security zones, compromise of the TX Host undermines the trust boundary it is designed to protect.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command [CWE-78]. Input handlers in the Administration WebUI concatenate attacker-controlled values into shell command strings without sanitization, escaping, or use of parameterized execution APIs. Shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, backticks, and $() are interpreted by the underlying shell.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires high privileges, meaning the attacker must hold valid administrative credentials for the WebUI. No user interaction is required. An attacker submits crafted HTTP requests to the Administration WebUI containing shell metacharacters in parameters that feed into OS command execution. The injected commands run with the privileges of the WebUI service on the WF-500 TX Host.
No verified public exploit code or proof-of-concept is available for CVE-2025-41265 at this time. See the Nozomi Networks Vulnerability Advisory for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-41265
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected processes spawned by the WF-500 Administration WebUI service, particularly shells such as /bin/sh or /bin/bash.
- HTTP requests to the Administration WebUI containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &, `, $()) in parameter values.
- Outbound network connections from the WF-500 TX Host to unfamiliar destinations following administrative sessions.
- New or modified files in writable directories on the TX Host that do not align with vendor update activity.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WebUI access logs for administrative requests containing command injection payloads or URL-encoded shell characters.
- Correlate authenticated WebUI sessions with subsequent process execution events on the TX Host.
- Apply network IDS signatures targeting OS command injection patterns in HTTP requests to WF-500 management interfaces.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WF-500 administrative and audit logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation.
- Alert on any administrative login from IP ranges that do not match approved management workstations.
- Monitor for configuration changes and firmware version drift on the WF-500 appliance.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-41265
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network access to the WF-500 Administration WebUI to a dedicated management network or jump host.
- Rotate all administrative credentials for the WF-500 and enforce strong, unique passwords.
- Review WebUI audit logs for evidence of command injection attempts or unexpected administrative activity.
- Contact Waterfall Security for vendor-supplied remediation guidance and updated firmware.
Patch Information
Refer to the Nozomi Networks Vulnerability Advisory and Waterfall Security support channels for the latest firmware updates addressing CVE-2025-41265. Apply vendor-released firmware to a version later than 7.9.1.0 R2502171040 once available.
Workarounds
- Place the Administration WebUI behind a network access control list permitting only authorized management hosts.
- Disable or limit administrative accounts to the minimum number required for operations.
- Require multi-factor authentication on jump hosts used to reach the WF-500 management interface.
- Segment the WF-500 management plane from general-purpose IT networks and OT process networks.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
