CVE-2025-58077
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a heap-based buffer overflow in the tmpserver modules of TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 routers. Authenticated attackers on the same local network can send specially crafted packets with excessive host entries to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code. It affects Archer AX53 v1.0 devices running firmware versions up to 1.3.1 Build 20241120.
💻 Affected Systems
- TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated adjacent attacker gains remote code execution (RCE) on the router, potentially leading to full device compromise, data theft, or use as a pivot point in the network.
Likely Case
Attackers cause a denial of service (DoS) via segmentation fault, crashing the tmpserver service and disrupting router functionality.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to DoS within a restricted network segment.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation details are not publicly disclosed; based on CVE description, it involves sending packets with excessive host entries.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check TP-Link support for firmware newer than 1.3.1 Build 20241120
Vendor Advisory: https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/download/archer-ax53/v1/#Firmware
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit TP-Link support page for Archer AX53 v1.0. 2. Download the latest firmware version. 3. Log into router admin interface. 4. Navigate to System Tools > Firmware Upgrade. 5. Upload and install the new firmware. 6. Reboot the router after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Network Access
allLimit access to the router's management interface to trusted devices only using firewall rules or VLAN segmentation.
Disable Unnecessary Services
allIf possible, disable the tmpserver module or any non-essential services on the router to reduce attack surface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate the router on a dedicated network segment to minimize exposure to potential attackers.
- Monitor network traffic for unusual packets or attempts to access the router's services, and review logs for segmentation fault errors.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the firmware version in the router's admin interface under System Tools > Firmware Upgrade; if version is 1.3.1 Build 20241120 or earlier, it is vulnerable.Check Version:
Log into router web interface and navigate to System Tools > Firmware Upgrade to view current version.Verify Fix Applied:
After updating, confirm the firmware version is newer than 1.3.1 Build 20241120 in the same interface.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Segmentation fault or crash logs related to tmpserver process in router system logs.
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network packets with high volume of host entries directed at the router's IP on relevant ports.
SIEM Query:
Example: search for events where source_ip is internal and destination_ip is router_ip with packet_size anomalies or error logs containing 'segmentation fault'.