CVE-2025-64444 Overview
CVE-2025-64444 is an OS command injection vulnerability affecting the Sony NCP-HG100 home gateway running firmware version 1.4.48.16 and earlier. The flaw resides in the device's management web interface and stems from improper neutralization of special elements passed to operating system commands [CWE-78]. An authenticated remote attacker who possesses valid credentials for the management page can inject arbitrary commands that execute with root privileges. Successful exploitation grants full control over the device, including the ability to modify configurations, intercept network traffic, and pivot deeper into the connected network. The vulnerability is tracked under JVN Advisory JVN49899607.
Critical Impact
A remote authenticated attacker can execute arbitrary OS commands as root on the NCP-HG100 gateway, leading to full device compromise.
Affected Products
- Sony NCP-HG100 firmware version 1.4.48.16 and earlier
- Devices deployed as part of the Sony Network Communications MANOMA service
- Home gateway units exposing the management web interface
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-14 - CVE-2025-64444 published to NVD
- 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-64444
Vulnerability Analysis
The NCP-HG100 management web interface accepts user-supplied input that is passed to underlying shell commands without adequate sanitization. Because the management web server runs as root on the embedded Linux platform, any injected command inherits root privileges. The attack requires prior authentication, which limits unauthenticated internet-wide exploitation but does not protect against credentialed insiders, phishing victims, or attackers leveraging default or weak credentials.
The vulnerability falls under the OS Command Injection class [CWE-78], one of the most common firmware weakness patterns in consumer and small-office routing equipment. Once exploited, the attacker can persist on the device, modify DNS settings, deploy implants, or use the gateway as a foothold for lateral movement inside the LAN.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of proper input validation and shell metacharacter neutralization in management-page handlers. Special characters such as ;, |, &, backticks, and $() are not escaped before being concatenated into command strings invoked through a shell. This permits command separation and substitution by the attacker.
Attack Vector
The attack is conducted over the network against the device's management interface, typically exposed on the LAN but sometimes reachable from external networks when remote management is enabled. The attacker authenticates to the management page using known or recovered credentials, then submits a crafted request whose parameter contains shell metacharacters and an arbitrary command. The injected command executes with root privileges and returns full system control. Refer to the Sony Network Support FAQ for vendor guidance.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available for CVE-2025-64444, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-64444
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected outbound connections originating from the NCP-HG100 gateway to unfamiliar hosts
- Modified DNS or routing configuration on the device not initiated by an administrator
- Anomalous management-page authentication events, particularly from non-administrative IP ranges
- New or unknown processes running on the device after credentialed access
Detection Strategies
- Inspect device and upstream network logs for HTTP POST requests to management endpoints containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &&, or $()
- Monitor for repeated authentication attempts against the NCP-HG100 management interface that may indicate credential brute-forcing
- Correlate management-page logins with subsequent unusual DNS, NTP, or firmware change events on the device
Monitoring Recommendations
- Capture and retain gateway management traffic on the LAN for forensic review
- Alert on changes to administrative credentials, firmware version, or remote management settings on the NCP-HG100
- Track outbound traffic patterns from the gateway IP to identify command-and-control or data exfiltration behavior
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-64444
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the firmware update published by Sony Network Communications referenced in the Sony Network Support FAQ
- Change the management-page password to a strong, unique value and rotate any shared administrative credentials
- Disable remote management of the NCP-HG100 from the WAN side if it is not strictly required
- Restrict management-page access to a dedicated administrative VLAN or trusted internal IP range
Patch Information
Sony Network Communications has issued guidance through JVN Advisory JVN49899607 and the Sony Network Support FAQ. Operators of NCP-HG100 devices running firmware 1.4.48.16 or earlier should follow the vendor's update procedure to install the fixed firmware release.
Workarounds
- Block access to the management interface from untrusted networks using upstream firewall rules
- Enforce strong, non-default credentials and enable account lockout policies on the management page
- Segment the NCP-HG100 from sensitive internal systems to limit blast radius if the device is compromised
- Monitor the gateway for unexpected configuration changes until firmware updates can be applied
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
