CVE-2025-59482 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 router, specifically within the tmpserver modules. This vulnerability arises when an authenticated attacker on an adjacent network sends a specially crafted network packet containing a field whose length exceeds the expected maximum, leading to memory corruption on the heap. The corrupted heap memory can cause a segmentation fault, resulting in a denial of service, or potentially enable the attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on the device. The flaw affects firmware versions up to 1.3.1 Build 20241120. Exploitation requires the attacker to have high-level privileges (authenticated with high privileges) and be on an adjacent network segment, which limits remote exploitation but still poses a significant risk in environments where internal network access is possible. The CVSS v4.0 score of 7.3 reflects a high severity, considering the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with the complexity of exploitation and the requirement for authentication. No public exploits or patches are currently available, increasing the urgency for affected users to monitor for updates. The vulnerability could be leveraged to compromise the router’s firmware, potentially allowing attackers to intercept or manipulate network traffic, disrupt services, or establish persistent footholds within the network.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could have serious consequences, particularly in sectors relying on TP-Link Archer AX53 routers for network connectivity, such as small and medium enterprises, educational institutions, and home office environments. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to internal networks, interception of sensitive communications, disruption of network services, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the router’s role as a gateway device, compromise could undermine the confidentiality and integrity of all data passing through it. The requirement for authenticated access somewhat limits the threat to insiders or attackers who have already breached perimeter defenses, but the risk remains significant in environments with weak internal segmentation or where credential theft is feasible. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for targeted attacks. Organizations involved in critical infrastructure or handling sensitive data should consider this vulnerability a high priority for remediation to prevent potential espionage, data breaches, or service outages.

1. Restrict access to the router’s management interfaces to trusted and segmented network zones, ideally limiting access to specific IP addresses or VLANs. 2. Enforce strong authentication mechanisms and regularly update credentials to prevent unauthorized access. 3. Monitor network traffic for unusual or malformed packets targeting the tmpserver modules, employing intrusion detection systems with updated signatures. 4. Implement network segmentation to limit the ability of an attacker to reach the router’s management interfaces from adjacent networks. 5. Regularly check for firmware updates from TP-Link and apply patches promptly once available, as no patches are currently released. 6. Consider deploying additional network security controls such as firewall rules to block suspicious traffic patterns and rate-limit management interface access. 7. Conduct internal audits and penetration tests to verify that no unauthorized access or exploitation attempts have occurred. 8. Educate network administrators about the vulnerability and the importance of maintaining strict access controls and monitoring.