CVE-2025-53187 in ASPECT
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2025
Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') vulnerability in ABB ASPECT.This issue affects ASPECT: before <3.08.04-s01.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2025
The CVE-2025-53187 vulnerability represents a critical code injection flaw within ABB ASPECT software systems that falls under the CWE-94 category of Improper Control of Generation of Code. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary code into the system during runtime operations. The flaw specifically impacts versions of ABB ASPECT prior to 3.08.04-s01, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple installations that have not yet received the necessary security patches.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the ASPECT software processes user-supplied data without proper validation, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate code generation processes. This weakness enables adversaries to execute unauthorized commands within the system's operational environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code injection as it can facilitate privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment within industrial control systems. Attackers exploiting this flaw could manipulate industrial processes, disrupt operations, or gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components that ABB ASPECT typically manages.
From an operational standpoint, the implications of CVE-2025-53187 are particularly severe given ABB ASPECT's role in industrial automation and control systems. The vulnerability creates a pathway for sophisticated attacks that align with tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts. Organizations utilizing affected ASPECT versions face significant risk of operational disruption, safety hazards, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability's exploitation could result in unauthorized modification of industrial processes, leading to production losses, environmental impacts, or safety incidents that may trigger compliance breaches under standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate patch management implementation to upgrade affected systems to version 3.08.04-s01 or later. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include enhanced input validation, runtime application self-protection mechanisms, and comprehensive monitoring for suspicious code execution patterns. The remediation process should align with industry best practices for industrial cybersecurity, incorporating principles from the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and IEC 62443 standards. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining exposure points and ensure comprehensive protection against similar code injection vulnerabilities in the industrial control system environment.