CVE-2025-45029 is a heap overflow vulnerability identified in the WINSTAR WN572HP3 device, specifically in version v230525. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the CONTENT_LENGTH variable within the /cgi-bin/upload.cgi endpoint. A heap overflow occurs when more data is written to a heap-allocated buffer than it can hold, potentially leading to memory corruption. In this case, the CONTENT_LENGTH variable, which typically indicates the size of the HTTP request body, can be manipulated to overflow the heap buffer during file upload processing. This flaw could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial of service (DoS) by crashing the device, or potentially escalate privileges depending on the device's firmware and security controls. The vulnerability is located in a CGI script, which is often exposed to network access, increasing the risk of remote exploitation. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. The affected version is identified as v230525, but no other versions are specified. No patches or mitigations have been linked or published yet. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in July 2025, indicating it is a recent discovery. The lack of a CVSS score and exploit code suggests the vulnerability is newly disclosed and may require further research to understand exploitation complexity and impact fully.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be significant, especially for those using WINSTAR WN572HP3 devices in their network infrastructure. These devices are typically used in industrial, IoT, or specialized networking environments. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain control over the device, pivot within the network, or disrupt critical services. This could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network operations. Industrial sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure, which often rely on embedded devices like WINSTAR routers or gateways, could face operational disruptions or data breaches. Additionally, if these devices are deployed in sensitive environments such as healthcare or transportation within Europe, the consequences could extend to safety risks and regulatory non-compliance. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details become widely known. The heap overflow nature of the vulnerability suggests a high potential for severe impact if exploited successfully.

European organizations using WINSTAR WN572HP3 devices should immediately assess their exposure to this vulnerability. Specific mitigation steps include: 1) Isolate affected devices from untrusted networks to reduce attack surface, especially restricting access to the /cgi-bin/upload.cgi endpoint. 2) Monitor network traffic for unusual or malformed HTTP requests targeting the upload.cgi script, which could indicate exploitation attempts. 3) Engage with WINSTAR or authorized vendors to obtain firmware updates or patches addressing this vulnerability as soon as they become available. 4) If patches are not yet available, consider disabling or restricting the upload functionality if feasible, or implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious CONTENT_LENGTH header values. 5) Conduct internal audits to inventory all WINSTAR devices and verify firmware versions to prioritize remediation efforts. 6) Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised device. 7) Prepare incident response plans specific to embedded device compromise scenarios. These recommendations go beyond generic advice by focusing on device-specific controls, network-level protections, and proactive monitoring tailored to the vulnerability's characteristics.