CVE-2025-46628 Overview
CVE-2025-46628 is a command injection vulnerability affecting the Tenda RX2 Pro router firmware version 16.03.30.14. The vulnerability exists in the ate management service due to a lack of input validation and sanitization. An unauthorized remote attacker can exploit this flaw to gain root shell access to the device by sending a crafted UDP packet to the ate service when it is enabled. No authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on vulnerable Tenda RX2 Pro routers, potentially leading to complete device compromise, network infiltration, and persistent backdoor access.
Affected Products
- Tenda RX2 Pro Firmware version 16.03.30.14
- Tenda RX2 Pro hardware device
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-05-01 - CVE-2025-46628 published to NVD
- 2025-05-27 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-46628
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the ate management service, a diagnostic utility commonly found in embedded router firmware. This service is designed to facilitate device testing and configuration during manufacturing or debugging processes. However, when enabled, it exposes a UDP-based interface that lacks proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms.
The root cause is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), indicating that the service fails to properly authenticate incoming requests and does not sanitize user-supplied input before processing commands. When an attacker sends a specially crafted UDP packet to the listening ate service, the malicious payload is processed without adequate security checks, allowing command injection through the ifconfig command handler.
The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability combined with the lack of authentication requirements makes it particularly dangerous for devices exposed to the internet or accessible from untrusted network segments.
Root Cause
The vulnerability stems from improper input validation in the ate management service. The service accepts UDP packets and processes commands without:
- Authenticating the source of incoming requests
- Sanitizing or validating user-supplied input parameters
- Implementing proper access controls to restrict service access
The ifconfig command processing within the ate service fails to escape or filter special characters, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary shell commands that execute with root privileges.
Attack Vector
The attack exploits the UDP-based ate service that listens for management commands. The exploitation flow involves:
- Identifying a target Tenda RX2 Pro router with the ate service enabled
- Crafting a malicious UDP packet containing shell metacharacters and command injection payloads
- Sending the crafted packet to the router's ate service port
- The injected commands execute with root privileges on the target device
The attack is network-based, requires no authentication, and can be performed without any user interaction. For detailed technical analysis of the command injection through the ifconfig command handler, refer to the Uturn Blog CVE-2025-46628 Analysis.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-46628
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected UDP traffic targeting the ate service port on Tenda RX2 Pro routers
- Unusual outbound connections from the router to unknown external IP addresses
- Modified system files or unexpected processes running on the device
- Changes to DNS settings or routing configurations without administrator action
- Presence of unauthorized SSH keys or new user accounts on the device
Detection Strategies
- Monitor network traffic for anomalous UDP packets directed at Tenda router management interfaces
- Implement intrusion detection rules to identify command injection patterns in network traffic
- Deploy network segmentation to isolate IoT devices and monitor cross-segment communication
- Utilize SentinelOne Singularity™ to detect suspicious process execution and network behavior on managed endpoints that interact with compromised routers
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable logging on network perimeter devices to capture traffic to and from Tenda routers
- Implement behavioral analysis for detecting unusual command execution patterns
- Regularly audit router configurations for unauthorized modifications
- Monitor for DNS hijacking or traffic redirection indicators that may suggest router compromise
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-46628
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable the ate management service if it is not required for normal router operation
- Restrict network access to the router's management interfaces using firewall rules
- Isolate affected Tenda RX2 Pro devices from untrusted network segments
- Monitor affected devices for signs of compromise until a patch is available
- Consider replacing vulnerable devices with alternatives if a firmware update is not available
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no vendor-provided security patch has been identified for this vulnerability. Administrators should monitor the Tenda Official Website for firmware updates addressing CVE-2025-46628. Organizations should implement compensating controls until an official fix is released.
Workarounds
- Disable the ate service through the router's administration interface or via command line if accessible
- Implement network-level access controls to block external UDP traffic to the affected service port
- Place vulnerable routers behind a firewall that restricts access to management services
- Use a VPN or dedicated management network for router administration tasks
- Consider implementing network access control (NAC) to limit devices that can communicate with the router
# Example firewall rule to block external access to ate service (adjust port as needed)
# This rule should be implemented on an upstream firewall
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport <ate_service_port> -j DROP
# Restrict management access to trusted IP addresses only
iptables -A INPUT -p udp -s <trusted_admin_ip> --dport <ate_service_port> -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport <ate_service_port> -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
