Overview
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-48413 exposes critical system files `/etc/passwd` and `/etc/shadow` that contain hard-coded password hashes for the root user of the operating system. Any system running the affected software update is at risk, potentially leading to unauthorized access, system compromise, and data leakage. This vulnerability is of high concern due to its direct impact on the system’s integrity and confidentiality.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-48413
Severity: High (Score: 7.7)
Attack Vector: Network and Physical Access
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: System compromise and data leakage
Affected Products
Escape the Surveillance Era
Most apps won’t tell you the truth.
They’re part of the problem.
Phone numbers. Emails. Profiles. Logs.
It’s all fuel for surveillance.
Ameeba Chat gives you a way out.
- • No phone number
- • No email
- • No personal info
- • Anonymous aliases
- • End-to-end encrypted
Chat without a trace.
Product | Affected Versions
Operating System | OS Version with the affected update
How the Exploit Works
The exploit takes advantage of the hard-coded password hashes that are included in the operating system update files. An attacker can extract these password hashes from the `/etc/passwd` and `/etc/shadow` files and use them to gain unauthorized access to the device. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely via an SSH backdoor, or physically via UART shell access if the attacker has physical contact with the device.
Conceptual Example Code
The following is a simplified representation of how an attacker might exploit this vulnerability:
# Extract the password hashes
cat /etc/passwd | grep root
cat /etc/shadow | grep root
# Use the extracted hashes to log in as root
ssh root@target-device-ipMitigation and Recommendations
To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, it is advised to apply the vendor’s patch once available. In the interim, a web application firewall (WAF) or intrusion detection system (IDS) should be used to detect and block any attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Furthermore, end users should be on the lookout for any suspicious activity on their devices and report it promptly to their IT department or software vendor.
