CVE-2025-47324 Overview
CVE-2025-47324 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting Qualcomm QCA7005 powerline communication (PLC) chipset firmware. The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to and modification of the Parameter Information Block (PIB) file on remote devices connected via powerline networking infrastructure. This flaw enables attackers to extract sensitive configuration data and device parameters without requiring authentication.
Critical Impact
Attackers can remotely access and potentially modify sensitive PIB configuration files on Qualcomm QCA7005-based powerline devices, leading to exposure of network credentials, device configurations, and other confidential information stored within the PIB structure.
Affected Products
- Qualcomm QCA7005 Firmware
- Qualcomm QCA7005 Hardware
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-06 - CVE-2025-47324 published to NVD
- 2025-08-18 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-47324
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-1230 (Exposure of Sensitive Information Through Metadata), indicating that the PIB file access mechanism fails to properly restrict information exposure. The vulnerability allows network-based exploitation without requiring any privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where powerline communication infrastructure is deployed.
The PIB (Parameter Information Block) is a critical configuration file used by HomePlug AV-compliant powerline adapters to store device-specific parameters including network membership keys (NMK), device access keys (DAK), network configuration settings, and other sensitive operational data. Unauthorized access to this file can reveal the entire powerline network topology and security credentials.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper access control mechanisms within the Qualcomm QCA7005 firmware when handling remote PIB file access requests over the powerline interface. The firmware fails to adequately validate and authenticate incoming requests for PIB data, allowing any device on the powerline network to read and potentially modify this sensitive configuration information.
Attack Vector
The attack exploits the network-accessible nature of the PIB management interface on QCA7005-based powerline devices. An attacker with access to the same powerline network can send specially crafted management frames to target devices, requesting PIB file contents. The lack of proper authentication allows the attacker to:
- Enumerate devices on the powerline network
- Request PIB file downloads from target devices
- Extract sensitive configuration data including network keys
- Potentially upload modified PIB files to alter device behavior
Since no verified code examples are available for this vulnerability, security teams should refer to the Qualcomm August 2025 Security Bulletin for additional technical details on the exploitation mechanism and the specific HomePlug AV management message types involved in the attack.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-47324
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected PIB file read or write operations logged by powerline management software
- Unusual management message traffic patterns on the powerline network
- Configuration changes to powerline devices without administrator action
- Network membership key (NMK) changes or unauthorized device additions to the powerline network
Detection Strategies
- Monitor powerline adapter management interfaces for unauthorized access attempts
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of powerline infrastructure
- Deploy intrusion detection signatures for anomalous HomePlug AV management frames
- Review device logs for PIB access events from unknown or unauthorized source MAC addresses
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on powerline management utilities where available
- Establish baseline traffic patterns for powerline network management operations
- Configure alerts for PIB modification events on critical infrastructure devices
- Periodically audit PIB configurations to detect unauthorized changes
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-47324
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply firmware updates from Qualcomm as outlined in the August 2025 Security Bulletin
- Isolate powerline networks from untrusted network segments where possible
- Change default network membership keys (NMK) and device access keys (DAK) on all deployed devices
- Disable remote PIB access functionality if not operationally required
Patch Information
Qualcomm has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Organizations using affected QCA7005-based powerline devices should consult the Qualcomm August 2025 Security Bulletin for specific firmware versions and update instructions. Contact your device manufacturer for applicable firmware packages that incorporate the Qualcomm security patches.
Workarounds
- Implement network access controls to restrict which devices can communicate over the powerline network
- Use strong, unique network membership keys (NMK) rather than default values
- Physically secure powerline adapters to prevent unauthorized device connections
- Consider deploying additional encryption layers for sensitive traffic traversing powerline infrastructure
Since firmware configuration options vary by device manufacturer, consult your specific device documentation for instructions on restricting PIB access. Typical mitigation involves updating firmware and reconfiguring network keys:
# Example: Regenerating network keys (syntax varies by device/manufacturer)
# Consult your device documentation for specific commands
# 1. Generate new NMK using device-specific utility
# plctool -K "YourNewNetworkPassphrase"
# 2. Apply updated network configuration
# plctool -M <new_nmk_value> -i eth0
# 3. Verify device configuration after update
# plctool -I -i eth0
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
