The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-60772 affects the NETLINK HG322G router firmware version V1.0.00-231017. It is classified under CWE-287, indicating improper authentication mechanisms. The flaw resides in the web-based management interface, which fails to properly authenticate users before granting administrative privileges. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this by crafting specific HTTP requests that bypass authentication checks, allowing them to escalate privileges to administrator level. Additionally, the attacker can lock out the legitimate administrator, effectively denying them access to the device. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8, reflecting its critical nature with network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability's characteristics suggest it could be weaponized rapidly. The lack of available patches or mitigations from the vendor increases the urgency for defensive measures. This vulnerability could allow attackers to gain full control over the affected device, manipulate network traffic, intercept sensitive data, or disrupt network services.

For European organizations, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences including unauthorized network access, data breaches, and denial of service. Attackers gaining administrative control over the NETLINK HG322G routers can manipulate routing configurations, intercept or redirect traffic, and deploy further attacks within the network. Critical infrastructure operators, enterprises, and ISPs using this device could face operational disruptions and compromise of sensitive information. The ability to lock out legitimate administrators exacerbates incident response challenges, potentially prolonging downtime. Given the router’s role in network management, the impact extends beyond a single device to the broader network environment, increasing the risk of lateral movement and persistent threats. The absence of patches means organizations must rely on network-level controls and monitoring to mitigate risk. This vulnerability could also undermine trust in network security, especially in sectors with stringent regulatory requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government.

1. Immediately restrict access to the web-based management interface by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules that limit access to trusted IP addresses only. 2. Disable remote management features on the NETLINK HG322G devices unless absolutely necessary, and if enabled, enforce VPN or other secure access methods. 3. Monitor network traffic for anomalous HTTP requests targeting the management interface, using IDS/IPS solutions configured to detect unusual patterns. 4. Implement strong network access controls and multi-factor authentication at the network perimeter to reduce exposure. 5. Maintain an inventory of all NETLINK HG322G devices within the organization to assess exposure and prioritize mitigation. 6. Engage with the vendor for firmware updates or patches and apply them promptly once available. 7. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential lockout scenarios to ensure rapid recovery. 8. Consider replacing vulnerable devices with models from vendors with stronger security track records if immediate patching is not feasible.