CVE-2025-44658: Serious PHP-FPM Misconfiguration Vulnerability in Netgear RAX30

Overview

The vulnerability CVE-2025-44658 is a serious threat affecting Netgear RAX30 routers running the version V1.0.10.94. This vulnerability arises due to an oversight in the PHP-FPM settings that do not follow the specification to limit FPM usage solely to .php extensions. This flaw can be leveraged by an attacker to upload and execute malicious scripts with alternate extensions, undermining security protocols based on file extension filtering. The implications are substantial, ranging from remote code execution to potential full-system compromise. Everyone running the affected version of Netgear RAX30 must be aware of this vulnerability and its potential implications.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-44658
Severity: Critical (CVSS: 9.8)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: Remote code execution, information disclosure, potential full system compromise

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

Netgear RAX30 | V1.0.10.94

How the Exploit Works

An attacker exploiting this vulnerability would first identify a target system running the vulnerable version of Netgear RAX30. The attacker then creates a malicious script, disguising it with a non-.php extension to bypass the file extension filter. This malicious script is then uploaded to the target system, possibly using an exposed web service. Due to the misconfiguration in PHP-FPM settings, the web server executes these scripts as though they were PHP, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code, disclose sensitive information, or even compromise the entire system.

Conceptual Example Code

Here’s a conceptual example of an HTTP POST request to upload a malicious script to the target system:

POST /upload_file HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.com
Content-Type: application/octet-stream
Content-Disposition: form-data; name="file"; filename="exploit.jpg"
{ binary data }

In this example, `exploit.jpg` is a malicious script disguised as an image file. Once uploaded, due to the PHP-FPM misconfiguration, it could be executed as a PHP script, leading to potential remote code execution or full system compromise.
Please note that this example is purely conceptual and does not represent an actual exploit. It’s provided to help understand how the vulnerability might be exploited and emphasizes the importance of taking appropriate mitigation steps.