Overview
A path traversal vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-12003, has been discovered in the WebDAV implementation of certain ASUS router firmware. This vulnerability could potentially allow unauthenticated remote attackers to compromise the integrity of affected devices. This advisory provides details on the vulnerability and recommends mitigation steps.
Technical Details
CVE-2025-12003 stems from insufficient input validation when handling file paths through the WebDAV interface. By crafting specific HTTP requests, an attacker might be able to traverse directories and access or modify files outside the intended WebDAV root directory. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system files or the modification of router configuration settings.
WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) is a protocol that allows users to collaboratively edit and manage files on remote web servers. In the context of ASUS routers, it is likely used for network-attached storage (NAS) functionality or similar file-sharing services.
CVSS Analysis
At the time of publishing, the CVSS score for CVE-2025-12003 is currently marked as N/A. However, it is crucial to understand the potential impact of a successful exploit, regardless of the initial CVSS score. Administrators should prioritize patching this vulnerability.
The lack of a CVSS score does not diminish the importance of addressing this issue, as the potential for unauthorized access and data modification represents a significant security risk.
Possible Impact
A successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in:
- Unauthorized Access: Attackers may gain access to sensitive files stored on the router or the network it is connected to.
- Configuration Modification: Attackers could modify router settings, potentially leading to denial-of-service conditions or further compromising the network.
- Data Integrity Compromise: Modification of system files could destabilize the router’s operation or introduce malicious code.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
ASUS has released a security update to address this vulnerability. It is strongly recommended that users take the following steps:
- Update Router Firmware: Immediately update your ASUS router’s firmware to the latest version available on the ASUS Support website. Refer to the “Security Update for ASUS Router Firmware” section on the ASUS Security Advisory (linked below) for specific firmware versions.
- Disable WebDAV (if not needed): If you are not actively using the WebDAV feature on your router, consider disabling it to reduce the attack surface. This can usually be done through the router’s administration interface.
- Review Router Security Settings: Ensure that your router’s security settings are properly configured, including using strong passwords and enabling firewall protection.
References
ASUS Security Advisory
NIST NVD CVE-2025-12003 Entry (if available)
