CVE-2025-52082 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 containing the read_access parameter. A buffer overflow occurs due to improper handling of input data, leading to memory corruption on the stack (CWE-121). This type of vulnerability can allow an attacker to overwrite critical memory regions, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or causing denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). The CVSS base score is 6.5, categorizing it as a medium severity issue with limited impact on confidentiality and integrity, and no impact on availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been published at the time of this report. The affected product is a consumer-grade router commonly used for home and small office networking, which exposes the HTTPD service to local network and potentially to the internet if remote management is enabled. Exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the device, potentially leading to network compromise or pivoting attacks against connected systems.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends on the deployment of Netgear XR300 routers within their network infrastructure. While primarily a consumer and small office device, some small businesses and branch offices may use this router model. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized control of the router, allowing attackers to intercept, modify, or redirect network traffic, undermining confidentiality and integrity of communications. This could facilitate further attacks such as man-in-the-middle, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. Given the router's role as a network gateway, compromise could also disrupt network operations, although availability impact is rated as none in the CVSS vector. The lack of authentication requirement increases the risk, especially if remote management interfaces are exposed to the internet. European organizations with less mature network segmentation or those relying on this router model for critical connectivity may face elevated risks. However, the medium severity and absence of known exploits suggest the threat is moderate but warrants timely mitigation to prevent potential exploitation.

1. Immediate mitigation should include disabling remote management features on the Netgear XR300 routers to reduce exposure to external attackers. 2. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to restrict access to the HTTPD service and the usb_device.cgi endpoint to trusted internal IP addresses only. 3. Monitor network traffic for unusual POST requests targeting the usb_device.cgi endpoint, especially those containing the read_access parameter, to detect potential exploitation attempts. 4. Where possible, replace or upgrade affected Netgear XR300 devices to newer firmware versions once patches become available from the vendor. 5. Employ network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices from critical systems and sensitive data to limit the impact of a potential compromise. 6. Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests focusing on network devices to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively. 7. Educate IT staff on the risks associated with consumer-grade network devices in enterprise environments and enforce policies for approved hardware usage.