CVE-2025-48416 in cPH2 Charging Station
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2025
An OpenSSH daemon listens on TCP port 22. There is a hard-coded entry in the "/etc/shadow" file in the firmware image for the "root" user. However, in the default SSH configuration the "PermitRootLogin" is disabled, preventing the root user from logging in via SSH. This configuration can be bypassed/changed by an attacker through multiple paths though.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-48416 represents a critical security flaw in OpenSSH daemon configurations within embedded firmware systems. This issue demonstrates a classic case of insecure default configurations combined with hardcoded credentials that create multiple attack vectors for unauthorized access. The presence of a hard-coded root entry in the /etc/shadow file creates a persistent backdoor mechanism that fundamentally undermines the security model of the system. The OpenSSH daemon operating on the standard TCP port 22 provides an obvious target for network-based attacks, while the hardcoded credentials offer a direct path to privilege escalation regardless of the SSH daemon's default security settings.
The technical flaw stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials within the firmware image itself, where the root user account is pre-configured with a known password in the shadow file. This configuration violates fundamental security principles by creating a static credential that cannot be changed through normal administrative procedures. The default SSH configuration with PermitRootLogin disabled serves as a security control that should prevent direct root access, but this protection is rendered ineffective due to the hardcoded credentials. This creates a scenario where attackers can bypass the intended authentication mechanisms through multiple attack paths, including direct credential exploitation and configuration modification techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates persistent backdoor capabilities that can be leveraged for long-term system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through various methods including direct credential usage, configuration file modification, or by leveraging other system vulnerabilities to gain access to the firmware image where the hardcoded credentials exist. The presence of this backdoor undermines all other security controls and creates a persistent threat vector that can be maintained across system reboots and updates. This vulnerability particularly affects embedded systems where firmware updates may be infrequent or difficult to implement, making the hardcoded credentials a permanent security risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-48416 must address both the immediate credential exposure and the underlying configuration issues that allow multiple attack paths. Organizations should immediately remove or invalidate the hardcoded root credentials from all affected firmware images and implement proper credential management procedures. The SSH configuration should be reviewed to ensure that PermitRootLogin is properly enforced and that any alternative authentication mechanisms are securely configured. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to port 22 and consider implementing additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication or certificate-based authentication. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798 which addresses the use of hardcoded passwords, and represents a significant risk under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, particularly those involving credential access and persistence mechanisms.