CVE-2025-59487 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. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of a packet field whose offset is used to determine the write location in memory. By crafting a packet with a manipulated field offset, an attacker can redirect writes to arbitrary memory locations.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-2025-59487 resides within the tmpserver modules of TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 firmware versions through 1.3.1 Build 20241120. This critical security flaw manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow that can be exploited by authenticated adjacent attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of packet fields that are used to determine memory write locations during packet processing operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of packet field offsets that control memory write operations within the tmpserver module. When an attacker crafts a malicious packet with a manipulated field offset, the system fails to properly validate the offset value before using it to determine the target memory location for writes. This improper validation creates a condition where the write operation can be redirected to arbitrary memory addresses, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical system memory regions. The vulnerability specifically affects the heap memory management within the tmpserver modules, where dynamic memory allocation and deallocation operations create opportunities for buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable full system compromise. An authenticated attacker with adjacent network access can leverage this flaw to cause segmentation faults that result in system instability and potential denial of service conditions. More critically, the vulnerability's potential for arbitrary code execution means that attackers could gain complete control over the affected device, allowing them to install malicious software, modify network configurations, or establish persistent access points. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation could lead to memory corruption that affects the stability of the entire system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and represents a significant risk to network security infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under privilege escalation and execution techniques, as attackers must first establish authentication to exploit the vulnerability before achieving code execution. The adjacency requirement means that attackers need to be physically present on the same network segment as the target device, but this limitation does not reduce the severity of the potential impact. Organizations deploying TP-Link Archer AX53 devices should prioritize immediate firmware updates to address this vulnerability, as the combination of authenticated access requirements and potential code execution capabilities creates a dangerous threat vector.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from TP-Link to address the buffer overflow condition in the tmpserver modules. Network segmentation and access control measures can help reduce the attack surface by limiting adjacent network access to critical devices. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous packet patterns or unusual memory access behaviors may help identify exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary services and features on affected devices to minimize potential attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in embedded network devices, particularly those handling network traffic processing functions.