CVE-2025-54962 in OpenPLC v3
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2025
/edit-user in webserver in OpenPLC Runtime 3 through 9cd8f1b allows authenticated users to upload arbitrary files (such as .html or .svg), and these are then publicly accessible under the /static URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-54962 affects the OpenPLC Runtime web interface, specifically the /edit-user endpoint which is designed for user management operations. This flaw exists within versions 3 through 9cd8f1b of the OpenPLC Runtime software, representing a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of the web-based management interface. The vulnerability resides in the file upload validation mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types, allowing authenticated users to bypass normal security controls and upload malicious files to the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and file type filtering within the webserver component of OpenPLC Runtime. When authenticated users access the /edit-user functionality, they can submit files with extensions such as .html or .svg without proper sanitization or restriction. The system processes these uploads without adequate checks to ensure that only safe file types are accepted, creating an avenue for arbitrary file execution. This flaw directly maps to CWE-434, which describes the weakness of allowing files to be uploaded or copied to a resource where they are executed or interpreted as code. The vulnerability enables attackers to upload web shells, malicious scripts, or other harmful content that can be executed by the webserver.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it allows authenticated users to gain persistent access to the system through publicly accessible files. Once uploaded files are stored under the /static URI path, they become immediately accessible to any user with knowledge of the system's structure, effectively providing a backdoor for both authorized and unauthorized users. This creates a significant risk for industrial control systems that rely on OpenPLC Runtime, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising the entire control system. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which describes the use of malicious file uploads to establish persistence and execute code within target environments. The implications extend beyond simple code execution, as attackers can use this capability to modify system configurations, steal sensitive data, or disrupt industrial processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of strict file type validation and content filtering mechanisms within the webserver component. Organizations should enforce a whitelist approach for acceptable file extensions, rejecting all uploads that do not match predefined safe patterns such as image formats or legitimate configuration files. The system should also implement proper file naming conventions and storage segregation to prevent uploaded files from being directly accessible through the /static URI path. Additionally, security measures should include regular auditing of uploaded files, implementation of file content analysis to detect malicious payloads, and enforcement of least privilege principles for user accounts. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while also ensuring that the webserver operates with minimal required privileges. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure file upload handling practices and proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top 10 security guidelines, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and validation of web application components.