CVE-2025-54404 is an OS command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-78, affecting the Planet WGR-500 router firmware version v1.3411b190912. The vulnerability resides in the swctrl functionality, where improper neutralization of special elements in the 'new_device_name' network request parameter allows an attacker to inject arbitrary operating system commands. This occurs because the input is not properly sanitized before being passed to system-level command execution functions. Exploitation requires sending a crafted network request to the vulnerable device, which can be done remotely without user interaction but requires low-level privileges (PR:L). The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.8, indicating a high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no user interaction needed. Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of the device, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to data theft, device manipulation, or denial of service. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a significant threat. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for mitigations. This vulnerability is particularly critical for organizations using Planet WGR-500 devices in their network infrastructure, as compromised routers can serve as a foothold for further network intrusion or disruption.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-54404 can be substantial. The Planet WGR-500 is used in various enterprise and industrial network environments, including small to medium-sized businesses and some critical infrastructure sectors. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized command execution on network devices, resulting in loss of confidentiality (data interception or exfiltration), integrity (alteration of device configurations or network traffic), and availability (device or network service disruption). This can compromise the entire network segment managed by the vulnerable device, potentially enabling lateral movement by attackers. Given the high CVSS score and the network-based attack vector, attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely, increasing the risk of widespread impact. European organizations with limited network segmentation or exposed management interfaces are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and telecommunications, which often rely on embedded network devices like the WGR-500, face heightened risks of operational disruption and data breaches.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting network access to the management interfaces of Planet WGR-500 devices, ideally limiting access to trusted internal networks or VPNs. 2. Implement strict input validation and filtering at network boundaries to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting the 'new_device_name' parameter. 3. Monitor network traffic for anomalous requests that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4. Apply vendor patches or firmware updates as soon as they become available; if no patches exist, consider temporary device replacement or segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices. 5. Employ network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised device, ensuring that critical systems are not directly accessible through vulnerable routers. 6. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focusing on network devices to identify and remediate similar issues proactively. 7. Maintain up-to-date asset inventories to identify all Planet WGR-500 devices in use and prioritize their remediation. 8. Educate network administrators about the risks of command injection vulnerabilities and the importance of secure device configuration and access controls.