CVE-2025-29044 in R61
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2025
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
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-29044 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Netgear R61 router firmware version 1.0.1.28. This security weakness resides in the router's handling of HTTP query parameters, specifically when processing the QUERY_STRING key value. The buffer overflow occurs when the device fails to properly validate or limit the length of input data submitted through web-based management interfaces or API endpoints. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious HTTP requests containing oversized query string parameters that exceed the allocated buffer space. Such exploitation enables remote code execution on the affected device without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw manifests in the router's web server component that processes incoming HTTP requests, particularly when parsing URL query parameters. The device's insufficient input validation mechanisms fail to enforce proper size limits on user-supplied data, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code into the router's memory space. This type of vulnerability typically allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical memory structures that control program execution flow, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-29044 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and security of the entire network infrastructure. Once exploited, attackers gain full administrative control over the router, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on Netgear R61 routers for their network security, potentially allowing attackers to pivot from the compromised device to access internal network resources. Given that these routers often serve as primary gateways for network traffic, the compromise of one device can provide attackers with elevated privileges to target other systems within the same network segment. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise networks, small business environments, and home networks that may lack proper network segmentation or monitoring capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-29044 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Netgear, as the vendor is likely to release patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromised router, deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns, and consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in network device software development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify other potentially affected devices running similar firmware versions. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and rate limiting on web interfaces can help reduce the attack surface while awaiting official patches. Security teams must also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their overall security posture, as it demonstrates the critical need for robust input validation and secure coding practices in embedded network devices that directly impact network security.