CVE-2025-60679 is a stack buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the D-Link DIR-816A2 router firmware version DIR-816A2_FWv1.10CNB05_R1B011D88210.img, specifically within the upload.cgi module responsible for handling firmware version information. The vulnerability stems from unsafe handling of the /proc/version file content. The firmware reads /proc/version into a 512-byte buffer, then concatenates it using sprintf() into another 512-byte buffer that already contains a 29-byte constant string. If the content of /proc/version exceeds 481 bytes, this concatenation causes a stack buffer overflow. This overflow can overwrite the stack, potentially allowing an attacker who can control or influence the /proc/version content to execute arbitrary code on the router with the privileges of the upload.cgi process. The vulnerability requires the attacker to control the /proc/version content, which is typically a system file, implying that exploitation might require prior access or a specific attack vector to manipulate this file or its content. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability is critical because it allows remote code execution on a network device, which can compromise network security, enable persistent access, or disrupt network operations. The firmware version affected is specific, and no other versions are listed, suggesting a targeted firmware release. The lack of patch links indicates that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for mitigation and monitoring.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to network security and operational continuity. The D-Link DIR-816A2 router is commonly used in small to medium enterprise environments and home offices, which are often less rigorously secured. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to intercept, modify, or disrupt network traffic, potentially leading to data breaches, espionage, or denial of service. Critical infrastructure sectors relying on these routers for connectivity could experience outages or compromise of sensitive systems. The ability to execute arbitrary code on network devices can also serve as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the absence of known exploits, the immediate risk is moderate, but the potential impact is high if exploitation techniques become publicly available. European organizations with limited patch management capabilities or those using this specific firmware version are particularly vulnerable. The threat is exacerbated by the lack of available patches and the complexity of detecting such exploitation attempts.

1. Immediate network segmentation to isolate affected D-Link DIR-816A2 routers from critical network segments to limit potential lateral movement. 2. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on management interfaces of these routers to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. 3. Regularly audit network devices to identify the presence of the vulnerable firmware version and prioritize their replacement or upgrade. 4. Engage with D-Link support channels to obtain or request firmware updates or patches addressing this vulnerability. 5. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) and anomaly detection tools to monitor for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process executions or network traffic patterns. 6. Where possible, restrict or sanitize inputs that could influence /proc/version content, although this may require advanced configurations or custom firmware. 7. Educate IT staff on the risks associated with this vulnerability and establish incident response plans specific to network device compromises. 8. Consider deploying network-level protections such as firewalls and segmentation to reduce exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted networks.