CVE-2025-61481: Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in MikroTik RouterOS & SwitchOS

⚠️ CVE-2025-61481: New Remote Code Execution Bug Hits MikroTik RouterOS and SwitchOS

A new security flaw has been discovered in MikroTik RouterOS (v7.14.2) and SwitchOS (v2.18), allowing remote attackers to run arbitrary code on affected devices through the WebFig HTTP management interface.

The issue, tracked as CVE-2025-61481, was published on October 27, 2025, and security experts are already warning network admins to patch immediately.

🔍 What's the vulnerability about

The flaw exists in the HTTP-only WebFig interface, which is used to configure and manage MikroTik devices.

By sending specially crafted requests to the router's management panel, an attacker could execute their own commands — effectively taking full control of the device.

If the WebFig panel is accessible from the internet, the risk increases dramatically — allowing attackers to infiltrate networks, install malware, or modify routing rules without authorization.

💣 Why this matters

MikroTik devices are widely used by ISPs, enterprises, and home users around the world.

A successful exploit could allow attackers to:

Although the CVSS score hasn't been published yet, cybersecurity analysts agree this is a critical-severity vulnerability because it gives full system control to attackers.

🛡️ What users should do

If you manage a MikroTik device, take these steps as soon as possible:

📅 Background and vendor response

The vulnerability was first spotted in late October 2025 by independent researchers monitoring MikroTik firmware behavior.

MikroTik has not yet released a detailed statement, but administrators expect a patched version in the next stable update.

In the meantime, experts strongly advise disabling HTTP access and keeping all devices behind a firewall or VPN.

🔐 Bottom line

This vulnerability reminds us once again that network devices are prime targets for cyber-attacks.

If your MikroTik device still exposes its WebFig interface over HTTP, you're giving attackers an easy entry point.

Patch, isolate, and monitor — before your router becomes part of the next big botnet.