CVE-2025-24341 in ctrlX OS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/30/2025
A vulnerability in the web application of ctrlX OS allows a remote authenticated (low-privileged) attacker to induce a Denial-of-Service (DoS) condition on the device via multiple crafted HTTP requests. In the worst case, a full power cycle is needed to regain control of the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24341 represents a significant security weakness within the ctrlX OS web application framework that enables remote authenticated attackers with low-privileged accounts to execute denial-of-service attacks against affected devices. This vulnerability specifically targets the web interface component of the ctrlX OS platform, which is commonly used in industrial automation and control systems. The flaw manifests when an attacker submits multiple crafted HTTP requests to the web application, leading to a state where the device becomes unresponsive and requires complete power cycling to restore normal operation. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as it can effectively render critical industrial control systems inoperative, potentially disrupting production processes and operational continuity. This vulnerability particularly concerns industrial environments where ctrlX OS devices serve as foundational components for automation and control infrastructure, making the potential for widespread operational disruption more severe.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and request handling mechanisms within the web application layer of ctrlX OS. When multiple malformed or specially crafted HTTP requests are processed by the vulnerable web interface, the application fails to properly handle these inputs, leading to resource exhaustion or state corruption that ultimately results in system instability. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires authentication, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials with low privileges to exploit this weakness. This authentication requirement provides some mitigation but does not eliminate the risk entirely, as low-privileged accounts in industrial environments may still provide sufficient access to trigger the DoS condition. The flaw aligns with CWE-400, which categorizes resource exhaustion vulnerabilities, and potentially with CWE-399 as it involves operating system resource management issues. The attack vector is classified as network-based with remote execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in connected industrial environments.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to industrial control systems that rely on ctrlX OS devices for critical automation functions. The requirement for full power cycling to restore device functionality creates significant operational challenges, particularly in environments where system uptime is critical and manual intervention may not be immediately available. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have gained access to low-privileged accounts through various means such as credential theft, social engineering, or other initial compromise techniques. In industrial settings, this could result in production halts, safety system disruptions, or compliance violations depending on the specific implementation and regulatory requirements of the affected organization. The DoS condition can persist until manual intervention occurs, potentially leading to extended downtime and operational losses. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1566 which involves social engineering to gain initial access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to limit access to ctrlX OS devices, enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual request patterns, and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in industrial control systems. Patch management procedures must be established to ensure timely deployment of vendor-provided fixes when available. System administrators should consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect DoS conditions and trigger alerts for rapid response. Additionally, organizations should maintain comprehensive incident response plans that account for potential industrial control system disruptions and include procedures for device recovery and system restoration. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and error handling in industrial web applications, particularly those that serve as critical infrastructure components in automation environments.