CVE-2025-12942 is a security vulnerability identified in NETGEAR R6260 and R6850 wireless routers, specifically in firmware versions up to 1.1.0.86. The root cause is improper input validation (CWE-20), which allows attackers who are unauthenticated but connected to the local area network (LAN) to exploit the device. The attack vector requires the attacker to be on the same LAN segment, with the capability to perform man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attacks and manipulate the DNS server settings. By exploiting this flaw, the attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the router, potentially gaining control over the device. This could lead to further network compromise, interception of traffic, or disruption of network services. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require low privileges and high attack complexity due to the need for LAN access and MiTM capabilities. The CVSS 4.8 score reflects medium severity, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability if exploited. No public exploits or patches are currently available, indicating the need for proactive mitigation. The vulnerability is significant because routers are critical network infrastructure components, and compromise can have cascading effects on connected systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-12942 can be substantial, especially for those relying on NETGEAR R6260 and R6850 routers in their internal networks. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on routers, leading to unauthorized network control, interception or redirection of traffic, and potential lateral movement within the network. This threatens the confidentiality of sensitive data, the integrity of network communications, and the availability of network services. Organizations with weak LAN access controls or insufficient network segmentation are particularly vulnerable. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government could face operational disruptions or data breaches. Additionally, since the attack requires LAN access and MiTM capability, environments with open or poorly secured Wi-Fi networks are at higher risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation. European organizations should assess their use of affected devices and implement compensating controls to reduce exposure.

1. Immediately inventory and identify all NETGEAR R6260 and R6850 routers in use, verifying firmware versions to determine exposure. 2. Restrict physical and wireless LAN access to trusted users only, implementing strong Wi-Fi encryption (WPA3 where possible) and network segmentation to isolate critical devices. 3. Employ network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect unusual DNS or network traffic patterns indicative of MiTM or command injection attempts. 4. Disable or restrict remote management interfaces and services on affected routers to minimize attack surface. 5. If possible, replace affected devices with models not vulnerable to this issue or upgrade firmware once a patch is released by NETGEAR. 6. Implement strict DNS security measures, such as DNSSEC and trusted DNS servers, to reduce the impact of DNS manipulation. 7. Educate network administrators on the risks of LAN-based attacks and ensure strong internal network security policies are enforced. 8. Regularly review and update network device configurations to follow security best practices and reduce exposure to input validation flaws.