CVE-2025-45857 is a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability identified in the EDIMAX CV7428NS device firmware version 1.20. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the 'command' parameter within the 'mp' function, which allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely. The underlying weakness corresponds to CWE-94, indicating improper control of code injection, typically due to unsafe evaluation or execution of user-supplied input. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting the high severity of this flaw. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requiring no privileges (PR:N) and no user interaction (UI:N), making exploitation straightforward once the device is reachable. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H), enabling full system compromise. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the critical nature and ease of exploitation suggest a high risk of future exploitation. The lack of an official patch at the time of publication further exacerbates the threat. EDIMAX CV7428NS is a network device, likely a router or similar networking hardware, which if compromised, could serve as a foothold for attackers to infiltrate internal networks or disrupt network operations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and service providers relying on EDIMAX CV7428NS devices within their network infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote control of network devices, enabling attackers to intercept, modify, or disrupt network traffic, exfiltrate sensitive data, or launch further attacks within the corporate network. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government agencies could face severe operational disruptions and data breaches. The vulnerability's network-exposed nature and lack of authentication requirements increase the likelihood of exploitation, potentially leading to widespread compromise if devices are accessible from the internet or poorly segmented internal networks. Additionally, compromised devices could be leveraged in botnets or for launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, impacting service availability across Europe.

Immediate mitigation steps include isolating affected EDIMAX CV7428NS devices from untrusted networks, especially the internet, to reduce exposure. Network administrators should implement strict access controls, including firewall rules limiting management interface access to trusted IP addresses only. Monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns or command injection attempts targeting the 'mp' function can help detect exploitation attempts. Since no official patch is currently available, organizations should engage with EDIMAX support channels to obtain firmware updates or advisories. Where possible, consider replacing vulnerable devices with models that have confirmed security updates. Employ network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised device and use intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) configured to detect exploitation attempts related to this vulnerability. Regularly audit device configurations and disable unnecessary services or remote management features to reduce the attack surface.