CVE-2025-22996
📋 TL;DR
A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Linksys E5600 router's spf_table_content component allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the desc parameter. When exploited, this enables execution of arbitrary web scripts or HTML in users' browsers. This affects Linksys E5600 router users running vulnerable firmware version 1.1.0.26.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linksys E5600 Router
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal router admin credentials, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions as authenticated users, potentially leading to full router compromise.
Likely Case
Attackers with network access could inject malicious scripts that execute when legitimate users view affected pages, potentially stealing session cookies or performing limited unauthorized actions.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, the vulnerability would be prevented, and impact would be limited to failed injection attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authentication to the router's web interface; public proof-of-concept exists in GitHub repository.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Linksys support site for firmware updates
2. Download latest firmware if available
3. Upload via router web interface
4. Reboot router after installation
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allImplement client-side and server-side input validation for the desc parameter
Not applicable - requires code changes
Output Encoding
allApply proper HTML encoding to user-controlled data before rendering
Not applicable - requires code changes
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to router web interface to trusted networks only
- Implement network segmentation to isolate router management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check router firmware version in web interface under Administration > Firmware UpgradeCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via web interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is newer than 1.1.0.26 and test desc parameter with XSS payloads📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to spf_table_content with script tags in desc parameter
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing script tags or JavaScript in URL parameters
- Unusual outbound connections from router after web interface access
SIEM Query:
http.method:POST AND http.uri:"spf_table_content" AND (http.param.desc:*script* OR http.param.desc:*javascript*)