CVE-2025-8298 is a security vulnerability identified in the Realtek RTL8811AU wireless network adapter driver, specifically in the kernel-mode driver component rtwlanu.sys. The flaw resides in the function N6CQueryInformationHandleCustomized11nOids, which improperly validates user-supplied input, leading to an out-of-bounds read condition (CWE-125). This vulnerability allows a local attacker, who already has the ability to execute low-privileged code on the affected system, to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The consequence of this out-of-bounds read is the potential disclosure of sensitive information from kernel memory. Although the vulnerability itself does not directly allow code execution, it can be chained with other vulnerabilities to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code within the kernel context. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 3.8, indicating a low severity primarily because exploitation requires local access with low privileges and no user interaction, and the impact is limited to confidentiality (information disclosure) without affecting integrity or availability. The affected driver version is 1030.38.712.2019. No patches or known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date (September 2, 2025). The vulnerability was tracked by ZDI under ZDI-CAN-25864.

For European organizations, the primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential leakage of sensitive kernel memory information, which could include cryptographic keys, passwords, or other critical data residing in kernel space. While the vulnerability alone does not allow remote exploitation or direct code execution, it lowers the barrier for attackers who have already compromised a system with low privileges to escalate their access or maintain persistence by chaining this flaw with other vulnerabilities. This is particularly concerning for organizations with sensitive data or critical infrastructure relying on devices using the Realtek RTL8811AU wireless adapter. The risk is heightened in environments where endpoint security is weak, or where attackers have physical or local access to systems. However, the limited attack vector (local access required) and the absence of known exploits reduce the immediate threat level. Still, organizations should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments, especially those in sectors with high security requirements such as finance, government, and critical infrastructure.

1. Update or patch the Realtek RTL8811AU driver to a version that addresses this vulnerability once available from the vendor. Since no patch links are currently provided, organizations should monitor Realtek's official channels for updates. 2. Restrict local access to systems, enforcing strict user privilege management to prevent unauthorized execution of low-privileged code. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious local activity that could indicate exploitation attempts or privilege escalation. 4. Implement application whitelisting and restrict installation of unauthorized drivers or software to reduce the risk of local code execution. 5. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans to identify systems running the affected driver version and prioritize remediation. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of local attacks and enforce strong physical security controls to limit attacker access. 7. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical systems that may use affected hardware, reducing the risk of lateral movement if local compromise occurs.