CVE-2025-5441
📋 TL;DR
This critical vulnerability in Linksys WiFi range extenders allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands by manipulating the DeviceURL parameter. Attackers can exploit this without authentication to potentially take full control of affected devices. All users of the listed Linksys range extender models with vulnerable firmware versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linksys RE6500
- Linksys RE6250
- Linksys RE6300
- Linksys RE6350
- Linksys RE7000
- Linksys RE9000
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, pivot to internal networks, intercept network traffic, or use devices as part of botnets.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to device takeover, credential theft, and lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are behind firewalls with strict inbound filtering and network segmentation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit code exists on GitHub. The vulnerability requires no authentication and has simple exploitation steps.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: https://www.linksys.com/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Linksys website for firmware updates. 2. If update available, download and install via web interface. 3. Reboot device after update. 4. Verify firmware version changed from vulnerable versions.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Management
allPrevent external access to the web management interface
Access web interface > Administration > Remote Management > Disable
Network Segmentation
allIsolate range extenders on separate VLAN without internet access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected devices with patched models or different vendors
- Implement strict firewall rules blocking all inbound traffic to device management interfaces
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Access device web interface, navigate to Status page, check firmware version matches affected listCheck Version:
curl -s http://[device-ip]/ | grep -i firmware || Access web interface manuallyVerify Fix Applied:
Check firmware version no longer matches affected versions (1.0.013.001, 1.0.04.001, 1.0.04.002, 1.1.05.003, 1.2.07.001)📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /goform/setDeviceURL
- Suspicious command execution patterns in system logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful access
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from range extenders
- Traffic to /goform/setDeviceURL with shell metacharacters in parameters
- Unexpected SSH or telnet sessions originating from devices
SIEM Query:
source="firewall" AND dest_ip="[range-extender-ip]" AND url="*/goform/setDeviceURL*" AND (param="*;*" OR param="*|*" OR param="*`*" OR param="*$(*")