CVE-2025-2549 Overview
CVE-2025-2549 is an improper access control vulnerability affecting D-Link DIR-618 firmware version 2.02 and DIR-605L firmware version 3.02. The flaw resides in the /goform/formSetPassword endpoint of the router web interface. An attacker on the adjacent network can manipulate the endpoint to bypass access restrictions [CWE-266]. Both affected models are end-of-life and no longer supported by D-Link. Public disclosure has occurred, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic exploitation on exposed local networks.
Critical Impact
Attackers with local network access can invoke the password management form on unsupported D-Link routers without proper authorization, undermining the integrity of device credential controls.
Affected Products
- D-Link DIR-618 (firmware 2.02) — end of life
- D-Link DIR-605L (firmware 3.02) — end of life
- Any downstream deployments still exposing the legacy web administration interface
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-20 - CVE-2025-2549 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-2549
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability affects the formSetPassword handler exposed under the /goform/ path on the router's embedded web server. This handler processes password change requests but does not enforce sufficient authorization checks on the caller. An attacker positioned on the same local network segment can reach the endpoint and manipulate its parameters. Because both routers reached end-of-service status, D-Link will not publish a firmware patch. The classification under [CWE-266] (Incorrect Privilege Assignment) reflects that privileged password operations execute without validating that the requester holds an administrative session.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or improperly enforced access control logic within the formSetPassword request handler. Legacy D-Link goform handlers historically rely on session cookies or referer checks that can be bypassed when validation is absent, incomplete, or client-trusted. The handler proceeds to modify sensitive credential state without confirming the caller's authenticated administrative role.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires adjacent network access, meaning the attacker must reach the router's LAN or Wi-Fi segment. The attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to /goform/formSetPassword on the router's management interface. Because the endpoint fails to validate the requester's privileges, the manipulation is accepted. No user interaction and no prior authentication are required, according to the published CVSS vector. Third-party technical writeups documenting the issue are available on the referenced Notion Resource for D-Link DIR-618 and the Notion Resource for D-Link DIR-605L. No verified proof-of-concept code is republished here.
// No verified exploit code available.
// See external technical references for request structure details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-2549
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP POST requests to /goform/formSetPassword originating from non-administrator hosts on the LAN
- Unplanned changes to router administrator credentials or lockouts of legitimate admins
- New or altered DNS, DHCP, or port-forwarding settings on affected DIR-618 or DIR-605L devices
Detection Strategies
- Inspect router syslog forwarding for administrative configuration events outside change windows
- Monitor LAN traffic for HTTP requests targeting /goform/ endpoints from client workstations
- Compare periodic configuration snapshots of the router to detect unauthorized credential or firmware settings changes
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward router logs to a centralized logging platform and alert on authentication or password change events
- Establish network segmentation so router management interfaces are only reachable from a dedicated admin VLAN
- Track vendor advisories and VulDB ID #300163 for updates on public exploitation activity
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-2549
Immediate Actions Required
- Replace end-of-life DIR-618 and DIR-605L devices with a currently supported router model
- Restrict management interface access to a wired administrative subnet and disable remote (WAN) administration
- Change router administrator passwords and audit stored configuration for unauthorized modifications
- Isolate the router on a dedicated VLAN separated from user workstations and IoT devices
Patch Information
D-Link has confirmed that DIR-618 and DIR-605L are no longer supported. No official patch will be issued for CVE-2025-2549. Customers should consult the D-Link Official Website for supported replacement products.
Workarounds
- Disable the web administration interface on the LAN when not actively performing configuration
- Place the affected router behind a firewall that filters HTTP traffic to /goform/ paths from untrusted hosts
- Enforce strong Wi-Fi authentication (WPA2/WPA3) to reduce the pool of adjacent attackers on the wireless segment
# Example: block LAN clients from reaching the router web UI except from an admin host
iptables -I FORWARD -s <admin_host_ip> -d <router_ip> -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -I FORWARD -d <router_ip> -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
