CVE-2025-8007 in 1756-ENT2R
Summary
by MITRE • 09/09/2025
A security issue exists in the protected mode of 1756-EN4TR and 1756-EN2TR communication modules, where a Concurrent Forward Close operation can trigger a Major Non-Recoverable (MNFR) fault. This condition may lead to unexpected system crashes and loss of device availability.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-8007 affects the 1756-EN4TR and 1756-EN2TR communication modules, which are part of Rockwell Automation's Ethernet IP communication infrastructure. These modules operate in protected mode, a security configuration designed to prevent unauthorized access and maintain system integrity. The flaw manifests specifically during concurrent Forward Close operations, which are standard procedures for closing communication connections in industrial networks. The vulnerability represents a significant concern for operational technology environments where continuous availability is critical for process control and automation systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient handling of concurrent operations within the protected mode execution environment. When multiple Forward Close operations occur simultaneously, the system fails to properly manage resource allocation and state transitions, resulting in a Major Non-Recoverable fault condition. This fault type, as defined by industrial communication standards, indicates a critical failure that cannot be resolved through normal recovery procedures and requires complete system restart. The flaw demonstrates a classic race condition or resource contention issue in the module's firmware implementation, where concurrent access to shared resources or state variables is not adequately synchronized.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to encompass potential production disruptions and safety risks in industrial environments. When a Major Non-Recoverable fault occurs, the affected communication module becomes unavailable for communication, potentially severing critical connections between control systems and field devices. This can lead to loss of monitoring capabilities, inability to send control commands, and ultimately affect process stability. The vulnerability affects devices that are commonly deployed in critical infrastructure sectors including manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation, where such disruptions can result in significant financial losses and operational downtime. The fault condition may also trigger cascading failures throughout the network as dependent systems lose connectivity to the affected modules.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8007 should focus on both immediate operational responses and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected modules and limit the impact of potential faults. Firmware updates from Rockwell Automation should be prioritized to address the underlying race condition in concurrent operation handling. Network administrators should establish monitoring procedures to detect early signs of resource contention that may precede the fault condition. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes concurrent execution access to shared resources without proper synchronization, and may also relate to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for endpoint denial of service attacks. Additionally, implementing redundant communication paths and ensuring proper load balancing can help prevent the conditions that lead to concurrent Forward Close operations, while regular system health monitoring and automated failover procedures can minimize the impact when faults do occur.