CVE-2025-10461 in smartLink SW-HT
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2026
Global file reads caused by improper URL checks in webserver in Softing Industrial Automation GmbH smartLinks on docker (filesystem modules) allows file access.
This issue affects
smartLink SW-HT: through 1.42
smartLink SW-PN: through 1.03.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2025-10461 represents a critical path traversal flaw in Softing Industrial Automation GmbH's smartLinks software running in docker environments. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the webserver component, specifically in how it processes URL parameters and filesystem module access. The flaw enables unauthorized remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the underlying filesystem through carefully crafted requests that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of both smartLink SW-HT and smartLink SW-PN products, with the issue persisting through versions 1.42 and 1.03 respectively, indicating a prolonged exposure window for affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper validation of URL paths within the docker-based filesystem modules of the smartLinks platform. When the webserver processes incoming requests, it fails to adequately sanitize or validate the URL parameters that specify file paths, allowing attackers to inject malicious path sequences such as ../ or similar traversal patterns. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in industrial automation environments where such systems often lack robust network segmentation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it potentially exposes sensitive industrial control system data, configuration files, and system credentials that could be critical for operational technology infrastructure. In industrial automation contexts, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain insights into system architecture, access proprietary control logic, or extract authentication tokens that might facilitate further exploitation. The docker environment adds additional complexity as attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to access host system files or even escalate privileges within the containerized environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that smartLinks systems are typically deployed in manufacturing and industrial control environments where system integrity and security are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-10461 should prioritize immediate software updates from Softing Industrial Automation GmbH to address the root cause of the improper URL validation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to smartLinks systems and deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation at the application level, enforcing mandatory access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically focusing on the initial access phase through exploitation of web application vulnerabilities, and represents a significant risk to industrial cybersecurity frameworks that require robust protection against unauthorized system access and data exfiltration.