CVE-2025-8184 is a critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the D-Link DIR-513 router series, affecting firmware versions 1.0 through 1.10. The vulnerability resides in the function formSetWanL2TPcallback within the HTTP POST request handler component, specifically in the /goform/formSetWanL2TP triggers endpoint. An attacker can remotely exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted HTTP POST request that manipulates input parameters to overflow the stack buffer. This overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing an attacker to take full control of the affected device. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited remotely without authentication, increasing its risk profile. Although the affected products are no longer supported by D-Link, the exploit code has been publicly disclosed, raising the risk of exploitation by malicious actors. The CVSS v4.0 score is 8.7 (high severity), reflecting the ease of remote exploitation, lack of required privileges or user interaction, and the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No official patches are available due to the end-of-life status of the product, which complicates remediation efforts.

For European organizations, the exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences. The D-Link DIR-513 routers are typically used in small office/home office (SOHO) environments, but some small businesses and branch offices may still rely on these devices. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to internal networks, interception or manipulation of sensitive data, and disruption of network services. This could facilitate lateral movement within corporate networks, data exfiltration, or deployment of further malware. Given the router’s role as a gateway device, compromise could undermine network perimeter defenses. The lack of vendor support means organizations cannot rely on official firmware updates, increasing the risk of persistent exposure. Additionally, public exploit availability may lead to opportunistic attacks targeting vulnerable devices within European networks, potentially impacting privacy and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR).

Since no official patches are available, European organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation steps: 1) Identify and inventory all D-Link DIR-513 devices within their networks. 2) Replace affected devices with currently supported and patched hardware to eliminate the vulnerability. 3) If replacement is not immediately feasible, isolate vulnerable routers on segmented network zones with strict access controls to limit exposure. 4) Disable or restrict remote management interfaces, especially HTTP POST endpoints, to reduce attack surface. 5) Employ network intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor and block suspicious traffic targeting the vulnerable endpoint. 6) Implement strict firewall rules to limit inbound traffic to trusted sources only. 7) Conduct regular network traffic analysis to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 8) Educate users and administrators about the risks associated with legacy devices and the importance of timely hardware lifecycle management.