CVE-2025-13305: D-Link DIR-825M Buffer Overflow Flaw

CVE-2025-13305 Overview

A buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified in multiple D-Link router models including DWR-M920, DWR-M921, DWR-M960, DIR-822K, and DIR-825M running firmware version 1.01.07. This vulnerability affects the processing of the file /boafrm/formTracerouteDiagnosticRun, where manipulation of the host argument can lead to a buffer overflow condition. The attack can be launched remotely by an authenticated attacker, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution on the affected device.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers with low-level privileges can exploit this buffer overflow vulnerability to potentially execute arbitrary code, compromise device integrity, and gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure.

Affected Products

• D-Link DWR-M920 Firmware version 1.01.07
• D-Link DWR-M921 Firmware version 1.01.07
• D-Link DWR-M960 Firmware version 1.01.07
• D-Link DWR-M961 Firmware version 1.01.07
• D-Link DIR-825M Firmware version 1.01.07

Discovery Timeline

• November 17, 2025 - CVE-2025-13305 published to NVD
• December 8, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-13305

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) and CWE-120 (Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input). The flaw exists in the traceroute diagnostic functionality of the affected D-Link routers, specifically within the web-based management interface endpoint at /boafrm/formTracerouteDiagnosticRun.

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network with low attack complexity. An attacker requires low-level privileges (authenticated access to the router's web interface) to exploit this vulnerability. Successful exploitation can result in high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device, potentially allowing complete device takeover.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient bounds checking in the traceroute diagnostic function. When processing the host parameter, the firmware fails to properly validate the length of user-supplied input before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the application does not verify that the input data fits within the allocated memory space, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory regions.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based, requiring the attacker to have authenticated access to the router's web management interface. The exploitation flow involves:

1. Authenticating to the D-Link router's web interface with valid credentials
2. Sending a crafted HTTP request to /boafrm/formTracerouteDiagnosticRun
3. Providing an oversized or malicious value for the host parameter
4. Triggering the buffer overflow condition to potentially execute arbitrary code or crash the device

The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where routers may have weak or default credentials, or in scenarios where attackers have already compromised network access. The exploit has been made publicly available, increasing the risk of exploitation in the wild.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-13305

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP POST requests to /boafrm/formTracerouteDiagnosticRun with abnormally large host parameter values
• Unexpected router crashes or reboots, particularly after traceroute diagnostic operations
• Anomalous network traffic patterns originating from the router device
• Unauthorized configuration changes or new administrative accounts on affected devices

Detection Strategies

• Monitor HTTP traffic to D-Link router management interfaces for requests containing oversized parameters
• Implement network intrusion detection rules to identify buffer overflow attempt patterns against known vulnerable endpoints
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring firmware behavior and identifying anomalous memory operations
• Review router access logs for repeated authentication attempts followed by diagnostic function calls

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging on affected D-Link devices if supported by firmware
• Configure network monitoring to alert on traffic to /boafrm/formTracerouteDiagnosticRun endpoints
• Implement anomaly detection for unusual router behavior or unexpected outbound connections
• Regularly audit device configurations and user accounts for unauthorized changes

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-13305

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict access to the router's web management interface to trusted IP addresses only
• Ensure strong, unique administrative credentials are configured on all affected devices
• Disable remote management access if not required for operations
• Segment affected routers from critical network infrastructure
• Monitor the D-Link Security Portal for firmware updates addressing this vulnerability

Patch Information

As of the last update on December 8, 2025, no official patch information has been published by D-Link for this vulnerability. Organizations should monitor the vendor's security advisories for firmware updates. Additional technical details can be found in the GitHub Issue Discussion and VulDB #332645 Details.

Workarounds

• Restrict management interface access to specific trusted IP addresses using firewall rules or router ACLs
• Disable the traceroute diagnostic functionality if available and not operationally required
• Place affected devices behind a network firewall that can filter malicious requests to the vulnerable endpoint
• Consider replacing affected devices with models that receive active security support if no patch becomes available

# Example: Restrict management access via iptables (on upstream firewall)
# Block external access to D-Link management interface
iptables -A FORWARD -d <ROUTER_IP> -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -d <ROUTER_IP> -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP

# Allow only trusted management IPs
iptables -I FORWARD -s <TRUSTED_MGMT_IP> -d <ROUTER_IP> -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -I FORWARD -s <TRUSTED_MGMT_IP> -d <ROUTER_IP> -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT