CVE-2025-6299 Overview
CVE-2025-6299 is an operating system command injection vulnerability [CWE-77] affecting the TOTOLINK N150RT wireless router running firmware version 3.4.0-B20190525. The flaw resides in the /boa/formWSC handler, where the targetAPSsid parameter is passed to a shell context without proper sanitization. An authenticated remote attacker can inject arbitrary operating system commands through this parameter. The exploit details have been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of opportunistic abuse against exposed devices.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows arbitrary command execution on the router, enabling attackers to pivot into the internal network, intercept traffic, or recruit the device into a botnet.
Affected Products
- TOTOLINK N150RT router (hardware)
- TOTOLINK N150RT firmware version 3.4.0-B20190525
- Deployments exposing the /boa/ web management interface
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-20 - CVE-2025-6299 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-6299
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the formWSC endpoint served by the Boa web server embedded in the N150RT firmware. The handler processes Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) configuration requests submitted through the device's web administration interface. The targetAPSsid HTTP parameter is incorporated into a shell command string that the firmware passes to a system execution function. Because the parameter is not validated or escaped, shell metacharacters are interpreted by the underlying shell. An attacker who reaches the management interface and holds valid credentials can inject commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, typically root on embedded router firmware.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an operating system command [CWE-77]. The firmware concatenates attacker-controlled input into a shell invocation rather than passing arguments as a parameterized list, and no allow-list filtering is applied to the targetAPSsid field.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires high privileges, meaning the attacker must authenticate to the router's web interface before exploitation. Once authenticated, the attacker submits a crafted HTTP request to /boa/formWSC containing shell metacharacters in the targetAPSsid field. The injected commands run in the context of the Boa web server. Public disclosure of the vulnerability details raises the likelihood of weaponization against devices that still use default or weak administrative credentials.
No verified proof-of-concept code is published in the enriched reference set. See the VulDB entry #313299 for additional technical details.
Stop Remote Code Execution Before It Runs
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Stop Exploit AttemptsDetection Methods for CVE-2025-6299
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST requests to /boa/formWSC containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, backticks, or $() inside the targetAPSsid parameter.
- Unexpected outbound connections initiated from the router's management IP to external hosts.
- New or modified configuration files, cron entries, or startup scripts on the device after a web-interface session.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect router web traffic at the network edge for anomalous requests to /boa/formWSC and alert on non-alphanumeric payloads in SSID fields.
- Correlate administrative logins to the router with subsequent outbound traffic patterns that deviate from baseline router behavior.
- Review router system logs, where available, for process execution events spawned by the Boa web server.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor DNS queries originating from the router subnet for connections to known command-and-control infrastructure.
- Track changes in firmware configuration, SSID broadcast settings, and WPS state through periodic configuration snapshots.
- Alert on repeated authentication attempts against the router's administrative interface from internal or external sources.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-6299
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to the router's web management interface to trusted internal management hosts only, and disable remote WAN-side administration.
- Change the default administrative password and enforce a strong, unique credential on every N150RT device.
- Disable the WPS feature where business operations do not require it, reducing the attack surface around /boa/formWSC.
Patch Information
No vendor patch is listed in the enriched reference data at the time of writing. Consult the TOTOLINK official site for firmware updates and advisories. Organizations operating the N150RT in production environments should plan hardware replacement with a currently supported model if the vendor does not release a fix.
Workarounds
- Place the router behind an upstream firewall and block inbound HTTP/HTTPS to the device from untrusted networks.
- Segment the router onto a dedicated management VLAN with access control lists limiting which hosts can reach the web interface.
- Rotate administrative credentials routinely and audit active sessions to detect unauthorized access.
# Example iptables rule to restrict router admin access to a management host
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.0.2.10 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
