CVE-2025-61944 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 router, specifically affecting firmware versions through 1.3.1 Build 20241120. The vulnerability resides in the tmpserver module, which handles network packets. An attacker with authenticated access on an adjacent network segment can exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted network packet containing an excessive number of fields with zero-length values. This malformed input causes a heap buffer overflow, leading to a segmentation fault and potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have high privileges (authenticated access) and is not exploitable remotely without adjacency, limiting the attack surface. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates attack vector as adjacent network (AV:A), high attack complexity (AC:H), no user interaction (UI:N), and high privileges required (PR:H). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as successful exploitation could allow code execution on the device, compromising network traffic and device functionality. No patches are currently linked, and no known exploits are reported in the wild, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and rated with a CVSS score of 7.3, indicating a high severity threat. The tmpserver module's role in network management makes this vulnerability critical for network stability and security. Organizations using this router should monitor for firmware updates and restrict access to management interfaces to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, exploitation of CVE-2025-61944 could lead to significant network disruptions due to router crashes (segmentation faults) or, worse, complete compromise of the router allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. This could result in interception or manipulation of network traffic, loss of network availability, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the router’s role as a network gateway, successful exploitation could undermine confidentiality and integrity of sensitive communications. The requirement for authenticated adjacent access limits remote exploitation but insider threats or compromised local devices could leverage this vulnerability. Organizations relying on TP-Link Archer AX53 routers in critical infrastructure, SMBs, or home office environments are particularly at risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but the public disclosure increases the likelihood of future exploit development. The impact is heightened in sectors with strict data protection requirements under GDPR, as network compromise could lead to data breaches and regulatory penalties.

1. Immediately restrict access to the router’s management interfaces to trusted personnel and networks only, using network segmentation and access control lists. 2. Disable or limit the tmpserver module functionality if possible until a patch is available. 3. Monitor network traffic for anomalous packets containing unusual numbers of zero-length fields indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Implement strong authentication and network access controls to prevent unauthorized adjacent access. 5. Regularly check TP-Link’s official channels for firmware updates addressing this vulnerability and apply patches promptly once released. 6. Consider replacing affected devices with alternative models or vendors if patching is delayed or unsupported. 7. Conduct internal audits to identify all Archer AX53 devices in use and assess exposure. 8. Educate network administrators about this vulnerability and ensure incident response plans include router compromise scenarios. 9. Employ network intrusion detection systems capable of detecting exploitation attempts targeting heap overflow patterns in router traffic.