CVE-2025-5934: Critical Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in Netgear EX3700

Overview

The cybersecurity community has recently identified a critical vulnerability in the Netgear EX3700, up to version 1.0.0.88. This vulnerability – CVE-2025-5934 – poses a significant threat as it allows attackers to remotely exploit a stack-based buffer overflow, potentially leading to system compromise or data leakage. This issue is of paramount importance to anyone using devices affected by this vulnerability, as it can be exploited remotely and has been publicly disclosed, increasing the likelihood of an attack.
This vulnerability affects the sub_41619C function of the /mtd file, which, when manipulated, leads to a stack-based buffer overflow. The severity of this vulnerability is amplified by the fact that the affected products are no longer supported by the maintainer, making immediate action essential for affected users.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-5934
Severity: Critical (CVSS Score: 8.8)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: System compromise, potential data leakage.

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

Netgear EX3700 | Up to 1.0.0.88

How the Exploit Works

The vulnerability stems from an improperly handled buffer in the ‘sub_41619C’ function of the /mtd file in the Netgear EX3700 device. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted network packets that cause an overflow in the stack buffer, thus permitting an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the device. This allows potential system compromise and data leakage if successfully exploited.

Conceptual Example Code

While specific exploit code is not available, the following pseudocode illustrates the concept behind the attack:

def exploit(target_ip):
# Create a socket object
socket_obj = create_socket()
# Construct the malicious payload
malicious_payload = construct_payload()
# Send the malicious payload to the target
socket_obj.send(target_ip, malicious_payload)

In this pseudocode, `create_socket()` is a hypothetical function that creates a socket for network communication. `construct_payload()` is a hypothetical function that constructs the malicious payload that will cause the buffer overflow. The `socket_obj.send()` method sends the malicious payload to the target device, causing the buffer overflow and potentially leading to system compromise or data leakage.

Mitigation and Remediation

The most effective way to mitigate this vulnerability is by upgrading the Netgear EX3705 to version 1.0.0.98. In the absence of an upgrade, users can apply a vendor patch or use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) as a temporary mitigation method. However, these are only temporary measures and won’t fully resolve the vulnerability. Therefore, upgrading the device to the latest version is highly recommended.