CVE-2025-41703 in QUINT4-UPS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2025
An unauthenticated remote attacker can cause a Denial of Service by turning off the output of the UPS via Modbus command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2025
This vulnerability resides within UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems that utilize Modbus protocol for communication and control operations. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows any remote attacker to execute a denial of service attack without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability specifically targets the Modbus command interface that controls UPS output operations, enabling an attacker to remotely shut down power output to connected systems. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on uninterrupted power supply for critical infrastructure, data centers, and operational systems. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no prior authorization or credentials, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the UPS device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the Modbus protocol implementation of the affected UPS systems. Modbus is a widely used industrial communication protocol that typically operates on TCP/IP networks and uses a master-slave architecture for device communication. The flaw occurs when the UPS system fails to properly validate incoming Modbus commands or enforce proper authentication requirements before executing critical operations such as power output shutdown. This allows an attacker to craft and send malicious Modbus commands that directly control the UPS output functionality, effectively cutting power to all connected devices. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically involving inadequate access control enforcement for critical system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially catastrophic consequences for organizations relying on continuous power supply. When an attacker successfully executes this denial of service attack, they can cause immediate power loss to critical systems including servers, network equipment, database systems, and other essential infrastructure components. This can result in data loss, system crashes, extended downtime, and potential financial losses. The attack can be particularly devastating in data center environments where multiple systems depend on uninterrupted power supply, or in industrial control systems where power interruption could lead to safety hazards or production disruptions. The vulnerability also enables potential cascading failures throughout interconnected systems that depend on stable power delivery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust network security controls and access restrictions. Organizations should deploy network segmentation to isolate UPS systems from general network access and implement strict firewall rules that limit Modbus communication to authorized management systems only. The implementation of Modbus security measures including authentication mechanisms, encryption, and command validation should be prioritized. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous Modbus traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular firmware updates and security patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities in UPS systems. Organizations should also implement privileged access management controls and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to UPS management interfaces. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of applying defense-in-depth principles to industrial control systems and highlights the need for secure configuration management of networked devices. The attack scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Denial of Service by disrupting power supply systems, representing a significant threat to operational continuity and business resilience.