Description
Buffer Overflow vulnerability in Netgear- R61 router V1.0.1.28 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the QUERY_STRING key value
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-11482
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-11482 is a Buffer Overflow in the Netgear R61 router, specifically in version V1.0.1.28. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the QUERY_STRING key value. The CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) base score of 9.8 indicates a critical severity level. The CVSS vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H breaks down as follows:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability is exploitable over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal skill or resources.
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N) - No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required.
- Scope (S): Unchanged (U) - The vulnerability does not change the security scope.
- Confidentiality (C): High (H) - The vulnerability has a high impact on confidentiality.
- Integrity (I): High (H) - The vulnerability has a high impact on integrity.
- Availability (A): High (H) - The vulnerability has a high impact on availability.
Given these metrics, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to affected systems.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector is through the QUERY_STRING key value, which is a common parameter in HTTP requests. An attacker could craft a malicious HTTP request with a specially crafted QUERY_STRING value that triggers the buffer overflow. This could be done via:
- Direct HTTP Requests: Sending a malicious HTTP request directly to the router.
- Web Application Exploits: If the router is integrated with a web application, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability through the web application interface.
- Automated Scripts: Using automated scripts to scan for vulnerable routers and exploit them en masse.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability specifically affects the Netgear R61 router running firmware version V1.0.1.28. It is crucial to note that other versions of the firmware or other Netgear models might also be affected if they share the same codebase.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:
- Firmware Update: Immediately update the router firmware to the latest version provided by Netgear.
- Network Segmentation: Isolate the router from critical network segments to limit the potential impact of an exploit.
- Firewall Rules: Implement strict firewall rules to block unauthorized access to the router's management interface.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to monitor for suspicious network activity targeting the router.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential security gaps.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant threat to the European cybersecurity landscape, particularly for organizations and individuals using the affected Netgear R61 router. Given the critical nature of the vulnerability, it could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to networks, exfiltrate sensitive data, and disrupt network operations. This underscores the importance of timely patch management and proactive security measures.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
For security professionals, the following technical details are pertinent:
- Exploit Mechanism: The buffer overflow occurs when the QUERY_STRING parameter in an HTTP request exceeds the allocated buffer size, allowing an attacker to inject malicious code.
- Detection: Monitoring network traffic for abnormally long QUERY_STRING parameters in HTTP requests can help detect potential exploitation attempts.
- Response: In the event of an exploit, isolate the affected router, capture network traffic for forensic analysis, and apply the latest firmware update.
- Prevention: Regularly update firmware, implement strict access controls, and use network monitoring tools to detect and respond to suspicious activity.
Conclusion
The Buffer Overflow vulnerability in the Netgear R61 router (V1.0.1.28) is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. By understanding the attack vectors, affected systems, and mitigation strategies, cybersecurity professionals can effectively address this vulnerability and protect their networks from potential exploits. Regular updates, network segmentation, and proactive monitoring are essential components of a robust security posture.