CVE-2025-60697 is a critical command injection vulnerability found in the D-Link DIR-882 router firmware (DIR882A1_FW102B02). The vulnerability resides in the handling of Dynamic DNS (DDNS) parameters within the router's web interface binaries prog.cgi and rc. Specifically, the function sub_4438A4 in prog.cgi accepts user-supplied DDNS parameters, ServerAddress and Hostname, and stores them in non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) using the nvram_safe_set function. Later, the start_DDNS_ipv4 function in the rc binary retrieves these parameters with nvram_safe_get and concatenates them into shell commands executed via twsystem(). Although a partial string comparison is performed to validate inputs, it is insufficient to prevent command injection. This flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to send specially crafted HTTP requests to the router’s web interface, injecting arbitrary shell commands that the device executes with elevated privileges. The lack of authentication and the direct execution of user-controlled input in shell commands make this vulnerability highly exploitable. The vulnerability affects the router’s firmware version DIR882A1_FW102B02, with no patch currently available. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the technical details indicate a high likelihood of exploitation once weaponized. The impact includes potential full device compromise, enabling attackers to manipulate network traffic, install persistent malware, or pivot to internal networks. The vulnerability highlights insecure coding practices in embedded device firmware, particularly in handling user input for system commands.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-60697 can be severe. Compromise of D-Link DIR-882 routers could lead to unauthorized remote control of network gateways, allowing attackers to intercept, modify, or disrupt network traffic. This can result in data breaches, loss of confidentiality, and integrity of communications. Attackers could also use compromised routers as footholds to launch further attacks within corporate or critical infrastructure networks, potentially affecting availability of services. Small and medium enterprises, as well as home office setups relying on this router model, are particularly vulnerable due to often limited network segmentation and security monitoring. The vulnerability’s unauthenticated nature increases risk of widespread exploitation, especially in environments where these routers are exposed to the internet without adequate firewall protections. Additionally, critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government agencies in Europe using these devices could face operational disruptions and regulatory compliance issues if exploited. The absence of a patch and the complexity of mitigating embedded device vulnerabilities exacerbate the threat landscape for European entities.

To mitigate CVE-2025-60697, European organizations should immediately restrict access to the router’s web interface by implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules to block inbound HTTP/HTTPS traffic from untrusted networks. Disable the DDNS feature if it is not required, as this reduces the attack surface. Monitor network traffic for unusual HTTP requests targeting the router’s management interface, and employ intrusion detection/prevention systems with signatures for command injection attempts. Network segmentation should be enforced to isolate routers from critical internal systems. Users should regularly audit their router configurations and change default credentials to prevent unauthorized access. Until an official firmware patch is released by D-Link, consider deploying compensating controls such as replacing vulnerable devices with models known to have secure firmware or using external VPN gateways to protect internal networks. Engage with D-Link support channels to obtain information on patch availability and apply updates promptly once released. Additionally, educate IT staff and users about the risks of exposing router management interfaces to the internet.