CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2025-12942NVD status: Analyzed

Improper Input Validation vulnerability in NETGEAR R6260 and NETGEAR R6850 allows…

CVE-2025-12942 is a high-severity improper input validation vulnerability in R6260 from NETGEAR, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited from the same local network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected R6260 versions: 1.1.0.86 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.32% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update R6260 Firmware to 1.1.0.86 or a later version.
  2. Update R6850 Firmware to 1.1.0.86 or a later version.
  3. Read the advisory on kb.netgear.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
NETGEARR62601.1.0.86 and earlierNot stated
NETGEARR68501.1.0.86 and earlierNot stated
NETGEARR6260 Firmwarebefore 1.1.0.861.1.0.86
NETGEARR6850 Firmwarebefore 1.1.0.861.1.0.86

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
AdjacentThe attacker must be on the same local network segment.
Attack complexity
HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.04.8MediumCNA
CVSS 3.17.5HighNVD

Official description

Improper Input Validation vulnerability in NETGEAR R6260 and NETGEAR R6850 allows unauthenticated attackers connected to LAN with ability to perform MiTM attacks and control over DNS Server to perform command execution.This issue affects R6260: through 1.1.0.86; R6850: through 1.1.0.86.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Input Validation

The product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Consider using language-theoretic security (LangSec) techniques that characterize inputs using a formal language and build recognizers for that language. This effectively requires parsing to be a distinct layer that effectively enforces a boundary between raw input and internal data representations, instead of allowing parser code to be scattered throughout the program, where it could be subject to errors or inconsistencies that create weaknesses.
  • Use an input validation framework such as Struts or the OWASP ESAPI Validation API. Note that using a framework does not automatically address all input validation problems; be mindful of weaknesses that could arise from misusing the framework itself (CWE-1173).
  • Understand all the potential areas where untrusted inputs can enter the product, including but not limited to: parameters or arguments, cookies, anything read from the network, environment variables, reverse DNS lookups, query results, request headers, URL components, e-mail, files, filenames, databases, and any external systems that provide data to the application. Remember that such inputs may be obtained indirectly through API calls.

More Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities (CWE-20)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Recent Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities

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