CVE-2025-9245 Overview
CVE-2025-9245 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting multiple Linksys range extender models, including the RE6250, RE6300, RE6350, RE6500, RE7000, and RE9000. The flaw resides in the WPSSTAPINEnr function handling requests to /goform/WPSSTAPINEnr. Attackers can manipulate the ssid argument to overflow the stack buffer. The exploit is publicly available, and the vendor did not respond to disclosure attempts. Remote exploitation is feasible across the network, putting affected device fleets at risk of compromise [CWE-119].
Critical Impact
Remote attackers with low-privileged network access can trigger a stack-based buffer overflow through the ssid parameter, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on affected Linksys range extenders.
Affected Products
- Linksys RE6250 firmware 1.0.04.001, RE6300 firmware 1.2.07.001, RE6350 firmware 1.0.04.001
- Linksys RE6500 firmware 1.0.013.001, RE7000 firmware 1.1.05.003
- Linksys RE9000 firmware 1.0.04.002
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-20 - CVE-2025-9245 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-9245
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the WPSSTAPINEnr function exposed through the /goform/WPSSTAPINEnr web endpoint on affected Linksys range extenders. The function processes the ssid parameter from HTTP requests without enforcing length boundaries before copying the value into a fixed-size stack buffer. Attackers supplying an oversized ssid value overwrite adjacent stack memory, including saved return addresses and control structures. Successful exploitation can corrupt execution flow and lead to arbitrary code execution under the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs as root on consumer router firmware. Linksys did not respond to coordinated disclosure attempts, and no official patch has been released.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer [CWE-119]. The WPSSTAPINEnr handler accepts user-controlled input through the ssid argument and writes it to a stack-allocated buffer without validating input length. Standard unsafe string operations such as strcpy or sprintf against fixed-size destinations are the typical implementation pattern responsible for this class of issue.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires low-privilege authenticated access to the device web interface. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to /goform/WPSSTAPINEnr containing an overlong ssid parameter. Public exploit code referenced in GitHub Vulnerability Documentation demonstrates the parameter manipulation. Once the buffer overflows, attackers can corrupt control data, hijack execution, and pivot into the local network.
// No verified exploit code is available. See the referenced advisory for technical details:
// https://github.com/wudipjq/my_vuln/blob/main/Linksys/vuln_14/14.md
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-9245
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusually long ssid parameter values in HTTP POST requests targeting /goform/WPSSTAPINEnr.
- Unexpected reboots, crashes, or web service restarts on Linksys RE-series range extenders.
- Outbound connections from range extenders to unfamiliar external hosts, indicating possible post-exploit beaconing.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect HTTP traffic destined for range extender management interfaces and alert on requests to /goform/WPSSTAPINEnr with ssid lengths exceeding typical SSID limits (32 bytes per IEEE 802.11).
- Deploy network intrusion detection signatures matching oversized ssid payloads in WPS-related form submissions.
- Correlate management plane activity from non-administrator source IPs with device reboot events in syslog feeds.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward router and range extender syslog data into a centralized logging platform and monitor for crash, watchdog, and reset events.
- Baseline normal administrative source addresses and alert on web management access from new or external networks.
- Monitor DNS and NetFlow telemetry from network infrastructure devices for anomalous outbound connections.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-9245
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to range extender web management interfaces to trusted administrative VLANs or hosts only.
- Disable WPS functionality where supported, since the vulnerable endpoint is part of the WPS station PIN enrollment flow.
- Rotate administrative credentials on all affected devices to reduce the value of any low-privilege accounts an attacker could obtain.
- Evaluate replacement of end-of-support Linksys RE-series devices, given the absence of vendor response.
Patch Information
No vendor patch is available. According to the disclosure, Linksys was contacted early but did not respond. Organizations should treat affected firmware versions as permanently vulnerable and plan compensating controls or device replacement. Refer to the Linksys Official Website for any future advisories and the VulDB CVE 320776 Threat Report for tracking updates.
Workarounds
- Place affected range extenders behind a firewall and block inbound access to TCP ports hosting the web management interface from untrusted segments.
- Disable remote management features on the device and limit configuration access to wired or local Wi-Fi sessions.
- Segment IoT and consumer network devices onto isolated VLANs without routing to sensitive internal systems.
# Example: block external access to range extender management interface
iptables -A FORWARD -d <range_extender_ip> -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A FORWARD -d <range_extender_ip> -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
