CVE-2025-52080 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the HTTPD service of the Netgear XR300 router, specifically version V1.0.3.38_10.3.30. The vulnerability is triggered via the usb_device.cgi endpoint when processing POST requests that include the share_name parameter. A buffer overflow occurs when the input to share_name exceeds the allocated buffer size on the stack, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or system crashes. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network since it involves the HTTPD service, which typically listens on the router’s management interface. No authentication or user interaction is explicitly required to trigger the flaw, increasing the risk of exploitation. However, there are no known public exploits or reports of active exploitation in the wild as of the publication date. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly disclosed and has not yet undergone formal severity assessment. The affected product, Netgear XR300, is a consumer-grade router often used in home and small office environments. The usb_device.cgi endpoint suggests functionality related to USB device sharing or management, which is a common feature in routers to enable network-attached storage or printer sharing. The vulnerability’s root cause is improper input validation and insufficient bounds checking on the share_name parameter, a classic programming error leading to buffer overflow conditions.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends on the deployment scale of the Netgear XR300 router within their network infrastructure. While primarily a consumer and small office device, some small businesses or remote offices may use this router model. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the router, potentially gaining control over network traffic, intercepting sensitive data, or pivoting to internal networks. This compromises confidentiality and integrity of communications. Additionally, exploitation could cause denial of service by crashing the device, disrupting internet connectivity and business operations. Given the router’s role as a network gateway, compromise could facilitate further attacks such as man-in-the-middle, DNS hijacking, or lateral movement within corporate networks. The lack of authentication requirement increases the threat level, especially if the router’s management interface is exposed to the internet or accessible from less secure network segments. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability’s nature and remote attack vector make it a significant risk that should be addressed promptly to prevent future attacks.

European organizations should take immediate steps to mitigate this vulnerability. First, they should verify if their network uses the Netgear XR300 router with the affected firmware version V1.0.3.38_10.3.30. If so, they should monitor Netgear’s official channels for firmware updates or patches addressing CVE-2025-52080 and apply them as soon as they become available. In the absence of a patch, organizations should restrict access to the router’s management interface by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to block unauthorized inbound traffic, especially from the internet. Disabling remote management features or the usb_device.cgi functionality, if feasible, can reduce the attack surface. Network administrators should also conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests to detect any signs of exploitation. Employing intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures for anomalous HTTP POST requests targeting usb_device.cgi may help detect attempted attacks. Finally, organizations should educate users about the risks of exposing network devices and encourage secure configuration practices, including changing default credentials and using strong passwords.