CVE-2025-69195 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in GNU Wget2 version 2.1.0. The flaw exists in the filename sanitization logic that processes URL paths, particularly when filename restriction options are active. This sanitization is intended to prevent unsafe filenames but fails to properly handle certain crafted inputs, allowing an attacker to overflow a stack buffer. The vulnerability can be triggered remotely by supplying a specially crafted URL to wget2. When a user or automated system invokes wget2 to download content from this URL, the buffer overflow can cause memory corruption. This corruption may lead to application crashes (denial of service) and could potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or other malicious activities, although no public exploits are currently known. The vulnerability requires no privileges but does require user interaction to initiate the download. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.6 reflects a high severity, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The flaw was reserved at the end of 2025 and published in early 2026. No patches are linked yet, indicating that users should monitor for updates. Given wget2's widespread use in Linux distributions and automated scripts, this vulnerability poses a significant risk if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-69195 can be substantial. Many enterprises and public sector entities rely on GNU Wget2 for automated data retrieval, software updates, and integration tasks. Exploitation could lead to denial of service through application crashes, disrupting critical workflows. More severe consequences include potential arbitrary code execution if attackers develop exploits leveraging the memory corruption, threatening system integrity and confidentiality. Organizations processing untrusted URLs or using filename restriction options are particularly vulnerable. Disruption of automated processes could affect service availability and data integrity. Additionally, critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, finance, and government that rely on Linux-based systems and open-source tools may face increased risk. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but targeted attacks against specific users or systems remain a concern. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat once exploit code becomes available.

To mitigate CVE-2025-69195, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Monitor official GNU Wget2 repositories and Linux distribution security advisories for patches addressing this vulnerability and apply updates promptly once available. 2) Until patches are released, avoid using filename restriction options in wget2 when downloading from untrusted or external URLs, as this triggers the vulnerable code path. 3) Implement strict validation and sanitization of URLs before passing them to wget2 to reduce exposure to crafted inputs. 4) Employ network-level protections such as web proxies or URL filtering to block access to suspicious or untrusted URLs. 5) Use application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to detect abnormal wget2 behavior or crashes indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted download links and encourage cautious use of wget2 in manual operations. 7) Consider alternative secure download tools or wrappers that do not invoke vulnerable code paths if immediate patching is not feasible. These targeted mitigations go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific vulnerable functionality and usage patterns.