CVE-2025-8299 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Realtek rtl81xx SDK Wi-Fi driver, specifically within the MgntActSet_TEREDO_SET_RS_PACKET function. This flaw arises due to improper validation of the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a fixed-length heap buffer. An attacker who already has the ability to execute code with low privileges on the affected system can exploit this vulnerability to overflow the heap buffer, leading to local privilege escalation. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level privileges, effectively gaining full control over the affected device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and has a CVSS 3.0 base score of 8.8, reflecting its critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The exploit requires local access and low privileges but does not require user interaction. No known public exploits are currently reported in the wild. The affected product version is Realtek rtl81xx SDK version 1030.38.712.2019. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is primarily a local privilege escalation vector that can be chained with other vulnerabilities or used by malicious insiders or malware that has gained initial foothold with limited privileges to escalate their access rights on the system. The lack of a patch link indicates that remediation may not yet be publicly available, underscoring the need for vigilance and interim mitigations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in environments where Realtek rtl81xx SDK Wi-Fi drivers are deployed, such as corporate laptops, desktops, and embedded systems using this driver version. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, and disrupt operations. This is particularly critical for sectors with stringent data protection requirements under GDPR, such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies. The local privilege escalation nature means that attackers need initial access, which could be gained via phishing, malware, or insider threats. Once exploited, attackers can install persistent malware, steal credentials, or move laterally within networks. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value European targets, increasing the risk of espionage or sabotage. The absence of known public exploits currently reduces immediate widespread threat but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation. Organizations relying on Realtek Wi-Fi drivers in their endpoint devices should consider this a high-priority security issue.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting local access to trusted users only and monitoring for suspicious local activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 2. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of privilege escalation. 3. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if an endpoint is compromised. 4. Regularly audit and harden endpoint configurations to minimize the attack surface, including disabling unnecessary services and drivers. 5. Monitor vendor communications closely for official patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 6. Employ strict privilege management policies to limit the number of users with local low-level execution rights. 7. Conduct targeted vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify if vulnerable driver versions are present in the environment. 8. Educate users on phishing and malware risks to reduce initial compromise likelihood. 9. Consider temporary use of alternative Wi-Fi drivers or hardware if feasible until patches are released.