CVE-2025-8168 is a critical buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the D-Link DIR-513 router, specifically version 1.10. The vulnerability exists in the function websAspInit within the /goform/formSetWanPPPoE file. The issue arises from improper handling of the 'curTime' argument, which can be manipulated by an attacker to trigger a buffer overflow condition. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction or authentication, making it highly accessible to attackers. The buffer overflow could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected device, potentially leading to full compromise of the router. This could enable attackers to intercept, modify, or redirect network traffic, launch further attacks within the network, or use the device as a foothold for persistent access. Although the vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and exploits are theoretically possible, there are no known exploits currently observed in the wild. Importantly, the affected product, D-Link DIR-513 version 1.10, is no longer supported by the vendor, meaning no official patches or updates are available to remediate this vulnerability. This increases the risk for organizations still using this hardware, as they must rely on alternative mitigation strategies. The CVSS 4.0 score of 8.7 reflects the high severity of this vulnerability, emphasizing its potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network infrastructure.

For European organizations, the exploitation of CVE-2025-8168 could have significant consequences. Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as some home office environments, may still be using legacy or unsupported D-Link DIR-513 routers due to budget constraints or lack of awareness. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to internal networks, interception of sensitive communications, and disruption of internet connectivity. This is particularly critical for organizations handling personal data subject to GDPR regulations, as a breach could result in data leakage and substantial regulatory penalties. Additionally, compromised routers could be leveraged as part of botnets or for launching attacks against other targets, amplifying the threat landscape. The lack of vendor support means organizations cannot rely on firmware updates, increasing the urgency for alternative protective measures. The vulnerability’s remote exploitability without authentication further elevates the risk, as attackers can target exposed devices directly over the internet. This threat is especially relevant for organizations with remote or distributed workforces using such routers for WAN connectivity.

Given the absence of vendor patches, European organizations should prioritize the replacement of affected D-Link DIR-513 devices with modern, supported hardware that receives regular security updates. If immediate replacement is not feasible, organizations should implement network-level mitigations such as restricting access to the router’s management interface to trusted IP addresses only, preferably via VPN or internal network segments. Disabling remote management features and WAN-side access to the router’s configuration interface can significantly reduce exposure. Network segmentation should be enforced to isolate legacy devices from critical infrastructure and sensitive data environments. Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) should be configured to monitor for anomalous traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts targeting the /goform/formSetWanPPPoE endpoint. Regular network traffic analysis and vulnerability scanning can help identify devices still running vulnerable firmware. Additionally, organizations should educate users about the risks of using unsupported hardware and encourage timely hardware lifecycle management. Finally, maintaining comprehensive network backups and incident response plans will aid in rapid recovery if exploitation occurs.