CVE-2025-41450 in AK-SM 8xxA
Summary
by MITRE • 05/08/2025
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Danfoss AKSM8xxA Series.This issue affects Danfoss AK-SM 8xxA Series prior to version 4.2
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The CVE-2025-41450 vulnerability represents a critical improper authentication flaw within the Danfoss AK-SM 8xxA Series industrial control systems, specifically impacting devices running firmware versions prior to 4.2. This vulnerability resides in the authentication mechanisms that govern access to critical system functions and configuration parameters. The affected devices operate within industrial environments where secure access controls are paramount for maintaining operational integrity and preventing unauthorized modifications to critical processes. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user credentials and access tokens during the authentication process, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to bypass legitimate access controls and gain unauthorized administrative privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through weaknesses in the authentication protocol handling within the device firmware. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting specially formatted authentication requests that circumvent the normal credential verification process. This improper authentication mechanism allows for privilege escalation attacks where unauthenticated users can potentially access administrative interfaces, modify system configurations, or execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that these industrial control systems typically manage critical infrastructure operations where unauthorized access could lead to significant operational disruptions or safety hazards.
From an operational perspective, the exploitation of CVE-2025-41450 could result in severe consequences for organizations relying on Danfoss AK-SM 8xxA Series equipment. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate industrial processes, potentially leading to equipment malfunctions, production halts, or even safety incidents. The affected systems may be deployed in manufacturing environments, building automation systems, or other critical infrastructure applications where maintaining proper access controls is essential. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability could enable lateral movement within networked industrial environments, as compromised devices could serve as entry points for broader attacks against connected systems.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation efforts by upgrading affected devices to firmware version 4.2 or later, which contains the necessary authentication fixes. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to limit access to these industrial control systems, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify any potential unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and could be leveraged by threat actors following ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and lateral movement. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms and maintaining detailed access logs will help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated firmware to ensure compatibility with existing industrial control system configurations and operational requirements.