CVE-2025-15545
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2025-15545 is a command injection vulnerability in TP-Link RE605X v3 backup restore function that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges by crafting malicious backup files. This affects TP-Link RE605X v3 devices with vulnerable firmware versions. Successful exploitation compromises the entire device.
💻 Affected Systems
- TP-Link RE605X v3
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device takeover with root access, allowing data theft, persistence installation, network pivoting, and device bricking.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to credential harvesting, network reconnaissance, and botnet enrollment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if backup restore is disabled and network access is restricted.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires authenticated access to backup restore function. Public proof-of-concept demonstrates command injection via crafted backup files.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.2.0 Build 20240621
Vendor Advisory: https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/4929/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download firmware 1.2.0 Build 20240621 from TP-Link support site. 2. Log into device web interface. 3. Navigate to System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. 4. Upload and install the new firmware. 5. Device will reboot automatically.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Backup Restore Function
allRemove or restrict access to backup restore functionality in web interface
Network Segmentation
allIsolate device management interface from untrusted networks
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable backup restore functionality completely if not needed
- Implement strict network access controls to device management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in web interface: System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. If version is older than 1.2.0 Build 20240621, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
No CLI command available. Must check via web interface at System Tools > Firmware Upgrade.Verify Fix Applied:
After patching, verify firmware version shows 1.2.0 Build 20240621 or newer in System Tools > Firmware Upgrade.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual backup restore operations
- Shell command execution in system logs
- Multiple failed restore attempts
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to backup restore endpoint with unusual payloads
- Outbound connections from device after restore operation
SIEM Query:
source="device_logs" AND (event="backup_restore" OR event="shell_exec") AND user!="admin"