CVE-2025-52080 in XR300
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2025
In Netgear XR300 V1.0.3.38_10.3.30, a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the HTTPD service through the usb_device.cgi endpoint. The vulnerability occurs when processing POST requests containing the share_name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-52080 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Netgear XR300 router firmware version V1.0.3.38_10.3.30. This flaw resides in the HTTPD service component that handles web requests, specifically targeting the usb_device.cgi endpoint which processes device configuration parameters. The vulnerability manifests when the device receives POST requests containing a malformed share_name parameter, creating an exploitable condition that could allow remote code execution or system compromise. The affected device operates with a web interface that enables users to configure USB storage sharing functionality, making this endpoint a potential attack surface for malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to the network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the usb_device.cgi script where the share_name parameter is processed without proper bounds checking. When an attacker submits a POST request with an excessively long share_name value, the application fails to validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic programming error allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data structures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when data is copied into a stack buffer without proper size validation, and represents a fundamental flaw in memory management practices. The HTTPD service in this firmware version appears to lack robust input sanitization mechanisms that would normally prevent such buffer overflows from occurring.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, presenting significant security risks to organizations relying on Netgear XR300 devices for network infrastructure. An attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected device with the privileges of the HTTPD service process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. This could lead to complete device compromise, allowing unauthorized users to gain access to network resources, modify device configurations, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a consumer-grade router that may be deployed in environments where network security is paramount, such as small businesses or home offices with sensitive data. The device's web interface provides an accessible attack vector that does not require physical access or specialized equipment, making it a prime target for remote exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it leverages HTTP services to deliver malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-52080 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Netgear, as the vendor is likely to release patches addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected device's web interface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can submit requests to the usb_device.cgi endpoint. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous POST request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly those containing unusually long parameter values. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable service. Security teams should also consider disabling USB storage sharing functionality if it is not essential for operations, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in embedded systems where resource constraints may lead to insufficient security measures. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify similar issues in other network devices that may be running outdated firmware versions, as this represents a common pattern in embedded networking equipment.