CVE-2025-59482 in Archer AX53 v1.0
Summary
by MITRE • 02/03/2026
Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 (tmpserver modules) allows authenticated adjacent attackers to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted network packet containing a field whose length exceeds the maximum expected value.This issue affects Archer AX53 v1.0: through 1.3.1 Build 20241120.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2026
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-59482 resides within the tmpserver modules of TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 routers, specifically affecting firmware versions through 1.3.1 Build 20241120. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that enables authenticated adjacent attackers to exploit the device's network processing capabilities. The flaw manifests when the router receives a specially crafted network packet containing a field with an excessive length value that surpasses the maximum expected buffer size. The vulnerability operates at the application layer within the router's firmware, specifically targeting the memory management functions that handle incoming network traffic processing. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can manipulate the heap memory structures through improper bounds checking, potentially leading to system instability or complete compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic heap-based buffer overflow pattern where insufficient input validation allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations within the heap allocation. The tmpserver modules responsible for handling network connections and packet processing lack proper bounds checking mechanisms for field length validation, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious data that exceeds allocated buffer boundaries. When the router processes the malformed packet, the excessive field length causes memory corruption that can result in segmentation faults, program crashes, or more severely, arbitrary code execution within the router's privileged execution context. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms and network access control bypass capabilities. An authenticated adjacent attacker positioned within the same network segment can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized control over the router's operations, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires network proximity and authentication credentials, but once successful, it can provide attackers with complete administrative control over the affected router. This represents a significant risk for enterprise networks where such devices may serve as critical infrastructure components, potentially enabling attackers to compromise entire network segments through lateral movement. The affected firmware versions span a range of releases that may still be deployed in enterprise and residential environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for widespread exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-59482 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TP-Link to address the heap overflow conditions in the tmpserver modules. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the attack surface by restricting adjacent network access to these devices. Implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for anomalous packet patterns and unusual network behavior can provide early warning of exploitation attempts. Regular network audits and vulnerability assessments should specifically target network infrastructure devices to identify potentially affected systems. Organizations should also implement network access controls that limit administrative access to network devices and enforce strong authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification as heap-based buffer overflow indicates that memory safety practices and proper input validation should be reinforced throughout the firmware development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from arising in future releases. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.