CVE-2025-58077: TP-Link Archer AX53 Buffer Overflow Flaw

CVE-2025-58077 Overview

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified in the TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 router, specifically within the tmpserver modules. This vulnerability allows authenticated adjacent attackers to cause a segmentation fault or potentially execute arbitrary code by sending specially crafted network packets containing an excessive number of host entries.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers on the local network can exploit this heap overflow to crash the router or potentially achieve arbitrary code execution, compromising the security of the entire network segment.

Affected Products

• TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 firmware through version 1.3.1 Build 20241120
• TP-Link Archer AX53 v1.0 tmpserver modules

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-03 - CVE-2025-58077 published to NVD
• 2026-02-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-58077

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow), which occurs when data is written beyond the allocated boundaries of a heap buffer. In the context of the TP-Link Archer AX53, the tmpserver modules fail to properly validate the number of host entries received in network packets. When an attacker sends packets containing an excessive number of host entries, the module attempts to store this data without adequate bounds checking, leading to heap memory corruption.

The attack requires the attacker to be authenticated and positioned on the adjacent network, meaning they must have access to the local network segment where the router operates. While this limits the attack surface compared to remotely exploitable vulnerabilities, it remains a significant threat in environments where multiple users share network access or in scenarios where an attacker has compromised any device on the local network.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient bounds checking within the tmpserver modules when processing network packets containing host entry data. The code fails to validate that the number of host entries does not exceed the allocated heap buffer size, allowing an attacker to overflow the buffer boundary. This is a classic example of inadequate input validation in embedded firmware, where memory safety mechanisms common in modern operating systems may be absent or limited.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed from an adjacent network position, requiring the attacker to be on the same network segment as the vulnerable router. The attacker must also be authenticated to the device, which may involve having valid credentials or exploiting a separate authentication weakness. Once these prerequisites are met, the attacker crafts malicious network packets with an excessive number of host entries and sends them to the tmpserver module.

When the vulnerable code processes these packets, it writes beyond the allocated heap buffer, causing memory corruption. Depending on the memory layout and the attacker's sophistication, this can result in either a denial of service (segmentation fault causing the router to crash) or arbitrary code execution if the attacker can control the overwritten memory to redirect program flow.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-58077

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected router crashes or reboots, particularly segmentation faults in tmpserver processes
• Unusual network traffic patterns with high volumes of host entry data packets targeting the router
• Anomalous authenticated sessions to the router from unexpected internal hosts
• Log entries indicating memory corruption or process termination in router system logs

Detection Strategies

• Monitor network traffic for packets containing abnormally large numbers of host entries directed at the router
• Implement network segmentation monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts from adjacent network positions
• Deploy intrusion detection signatures that identify heap overflow exploitation patterns targeting embedded devices
• Review router logs for repeated authentication attempts followed by service crashes

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on the TP-Link Archer AX53 to capture detailed event information
• Implement network traffic analysis at the edge to identify potential exploit attempts
• Monitor for unexpected changes in router behavior or configuration that may indicate successful compromise
• Establish baseline network patterns to detect anomalous packet volumes targeting network infrastructure

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-58077

Immediate Actions Required

• Check current firmware version and update to the latest available firmware from TP-Link immediately
• Restrict network access to limit the number of authenticated users who could potentially exploit this vulnerability
• Review and audit all authenticated accounts on the router, removing unnecessary or suspicious accounts
• Implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement if an attacker gains adjacent network access

Patch Information

TP-Link has made firmware updates available for the Archer AX53 v1. Administrators should download and install the latest firmware from the official TP-Link Archer AX53 Firmware Download page. Additional guidance and information can be found in the TP-Link Support FAQ 4943. It is strongly recommended to verify firmware integrity before installation and to backup current router configurations prior to updating.

Workarounds

• Limit the number of authenticated users on the network to reduce the attack surface
• Implement strong access controls and network segmentation to prevent unauthorized adjacent network access
• Monitor for abnormal traffic patterns and implement rate limiting where possible
• Consider deploying additional network security controls such as an intrusion prevention system to detect and block exploitation attempts