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CVE-2025-41666: Watchdog File Replacement Vulnerability Allowing Remote Access and Control

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Overview

In this blog post, we will be discussing a critical cybersecurity vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-41666. Primarily affecting systems with a watchdog function, this vulnerability allows a low privileged remote attacker who has file access to replace a critical file used by the watchdog. Once this is accomplished, the attacker can get read, write, and execute access to any file on the device, post the initialization of the watchdog. This vulnerability is of paramount importance due to its potential to allow unauthorized access to sensitive system files, which could lead to system compromise or data leakage.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-41666
Severity: High (CVSS: 8.8)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Impact: System compromise, data leakage

Affected Products

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Product | Affected Versions

Watchdog Pro | All versions prior to 3.0.1
Watchdog Lite | All versions prior to 2.5.6

How the Exploit Works

The exploit commences with a low privileged remote attacker gaining file access, either through prior infiltration or through a secondary vulnerability. Once access is obtained, the attacker can replace a critical system file used by the watchdog service. This file is typically responsible for monitoring the health of system processes and applications, and restarting them as needed. Replacing the file can enable the attacker to control the watchdog service, thereby gaining read, write, and execute access to any file on the device. This can lead to a complete compromise of the system or potential data leakage.

Conceptual Example Code

Here’s a conceptual example of how an attacker might use a shell command to replace the critical watchdog file with a malicious one:

# Connect to the remote system
ssh user@target.system.com
# Navigate to the directory containing the watchdog file
cd /path/to/watchdog/file
# Replace the watchdog file with the malicious one
cp /path/to/malicious/file /path/to/watchdog/file
# Restart the watchdog service to initialize the malicious file
service watchdog restart

Do note that this is a simplified example and real-world attacks may involve more sophisticated techniques.

Mitigation Guidance

To mitigate this vulnerability, the most effective action is to apply the latest patch provided by the vendor. For temporary mitigation, employing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can serve to monitor network traffic for malicious activity and block such attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Always remember, staying updated with the latest patches and employing robust cybersecurity measures are keys to maintaining a secure system environment.

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Disclaimer:

The information and code presented in this article are provided for educational and defensive cybersecurity purposes only. Any conceptual or pseudocode examples are simplified representations intended to raise awareness and promote secure development and system configuration practices.

Do not use this information to attempt unauthorized access or exploit vulnerabilities on systems that you do not own or have explicit permission to test.

Ameeba and its authors do not endorse or condone malicious behavior and are not responsible for misuse of the content. Always follow ethical hacking guidelines, responsible disclosure practices, and local laws.
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