CVE-2025-24351 in ctrlX OS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/30/2025
A vulnerability in the “Remote Logging” functionality of the web application of ctrlX OS allows a remote authenticated (low-privileged) attacker to execute arbitrary OS commands in the context of user “root” via a crafted HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24351 represents a critical command injection flaw within the remote logging functionality of ctrlX OS web application. This issue affects the industrial automation platform that serves as a foundation for edge computing environments in manufacturing and industrial control systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the remote logging module, which processes user-supplied data without proper escaping or filtering of special characters that could be interpreted as command delimiters by the underlying operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specifically crafted HTTP request that targets the remote logging endpoint. When an authenticated user with low privileges submits malicious input through the logging interface, the application fails to properly sanitize the input before passing it to system commands. This allows an attacker to inject OS commands that execute with the elevated privileges of the root user account. The flaw manifests as a classic command injection vulnerability, which is categorized under CWE-77 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only low-privileged authentication credentials, making it accessible to users who may not have administrative access but still possess the ability to submit log data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once an attacker achieves root-level execution, they can modify system configurations, install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt industrial processes that rely on the ctrlX OS platform. The implications are especially severe in industrial environments where these systems control critical infrastructure, as the compromise of a single device can potentially affect entire production lines or safety systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through web interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of vendor-provided patches or firmware updates that address the input sanitization issues in the remote logging functionality. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the exposure of the web application to untrusted networks, while also restricting access to the logging functionality to only authorized personnel. Regular security audits of input validation mechanisms and comprehensive logging of all administrative activities should be enforced to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules that specifically target command injection patterns can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary remote logging features when not actively required for operational purposes, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries.