CVE-2025-57572 is a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Tenda F3 router firmware version V12.01.01.48_multi and later. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the 'onlineList' parameter within the 'goform/setParentControl' endpoint. Buffer overflow vulnerabilities occur when input data exceeds the allocated buffer size, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or system crashes. In this case, the vulnerability is triggered remotely via a web interface component used for parental control settings, which suggests that an attacker could exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted HTTP request to the router's management interface. The lack of a CVSS score and absence of known exploits in the wild indicate that this vulnerability is newly disclosed and may not yet be actively exploited. However, the nature of buffer overflow vulnerabilities in network devices is critical because they can allow attackers to gain control over the device or disrupt network operations. The Tenda F3 router is a widely used consumer-grade device, often deployed in home and small office environments. The vulnerability's exploitation could compromise the router's integrity, leading to interception or manipulation of network traffic, unauthorized access to connected devices, or use of the router as a pivot point for further attacks within a network. The absence of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps by users and administrators.

For European organizations, the exploitation of this vulnerability could have significant consequences. Many small businesses and residential users rely on Tenda routers for internet connectivity. A successful attack could lead to unauthorized access to internal networks, data interception, or disruption of internet services. This is particularly concerning for organizations with remote or hybrid work models where home routers serve as critical network gateways. Compromise of these devices could facilitate lateral movement into corporate networks or enable man-in-the-middle attacks on sensitive communications. Additionally, the disruption of router functionality could impact availability, causing operational downtime. Given the router's consumer-grade nature, organizations may lack centralized management or monitoring, increasing the risk of unnoticed exploitation. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of larger botnet campaigns or distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, indirectly affecting European network infrastructure and service providers.

Immediate mitigation should focus on limiting exposure of the router's management interface. Organizations and users should ensure that remote management features are disabled or restricted to trusted IP addresses only. Network segmentation should be employed to isolate IoT and consumer-grade devices from critical business systems. Monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns or unexpected outbound connections can help detect exploitation attempts. Users should regularly check for firmware updates from Tenda and apply patches promptly once available. If no official patch exists, consider replacing vulnerable devices with models from vendors with robust security update policies. Employing network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems can help block exploit attempts targeting the vulnerable endpoint. Educating users about the risks of exposing router management interfaces and encouraging strong authentication practices (e.g., changing default passwords) will further reduce risk. Finally, organizations should maintain an inventory of deployed devices to identify and remediate vulnerable routers systematically.