CVE-2025-46267 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting ELECOM CO.,LTD.'s wireless router models WRC-BE36QS-B and WRC-W701-B, specifically versions v1.1.3 and earlier. The vulnerability stems from a hidden debug functionality embedded within the device's firmware that can be remotely enabled by an attacker who has authenticated access to the device's WebGUI management interface. Although the vulnerability does not allow unauthenticated remote exploitation, it permits a user with valid credentials to activate this hidden debug mode, which is not intended for normal operation. Enabling this debug functionality could expose additional attack surfaces or sensitive internal operations, potentially allowing an attacker to escalate privileges, manipulate device behavior, or interfere with the integrity of the device's configuration. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.9, reflecting a network attack vector with low attack complexity but requiring high privileges (authenticated user) and no user interaction. The impact is primarily on integrity, with no direct confidentiality or availability impact indicated. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been publicly linked yet. The vulnerability was published on July 22, 2025, and assigned by JPCERT, indicating a recognized security concern in the Japanese cybersecurity community. The lack of patches and the presence of hidden debug functions suggest that attackers with internal access or stolen credentials could leverage this vulnerability to compromise device integrity or facilitate further attacks within the network environment where these routers are deployed.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk, especially for enterprises and service providers using ELECOM WRC-BE36QS-B or WRC-W701-B routers in their network infrastructure. If an attacker gains authenticated access to the router's WebGUI—potentially through credential theft, phishing, or insider threats—they could enable the hidden debug functionality, which may allow manipulation of router settings or facilitate lateral movement within the network. This could undermine the integrity of network traffic routing or security policies enforced by the device. While the vulnerability does not directly impact confidentiality or availability, the integrity compromise could lead to unauthorized configuration changes, weakening network defenses. Organizations relying on these devices for critical network functions or connected to sensitive systems could face increased risk of targeted attacks or data manipulation. Additionally, the absence of patches means organizations must rely on compensating controls until a fix is available. The medium severity rating suggests that while the threat is not immediately critical, it should be addressed promptly to prevent escalation or exploitation in multi-stage attacks.

1. Restrict access to the router's WebGUI interface by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit management access only to trusted administrative hosts and networks. 2. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including complex passwords and, if supported, multi-factor authentication (MFA) for WebGUI login to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Monitor router management access logs for unusual login attempts or successful authentications from unexpected sources to detect potential misuse. 4. Disable or restrict any debug or developer modes if configurable via existing settings, even if hidden, to minimize attack surface. 5. Regularly update device firmware and monitor ELECOM's official channels for security advisories and patches addressing this vulnerability. 6. Consider replacing affected devices with alternative models from vendors with stronger security track records if patching is delayed or unavailable. 7. Implement network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) to identify anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts related to this vulnerability. 8. Educate network administrators about the risks of credential theft and the importance of safeguarding access credentials to network devices.