CVE-2025-0631: Credential Exposure Vulnerability via HTTP

CVE-2025-0631 Overview

CVE-2025-0631 is a Credential Exposure Vulnerability that arises from the use of unencrypted HTTP communications. This vulnerability allows credentials to be transmitted in cleartext over the network, making them susceptible to interception by malicious actors through man-in-the-middle attacks or network sniffing. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-319 (Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information).

Critical Impact

Attackers with network access can intercept user credentials transmitted in cleartext, potentially leading to unauthorized access, account compromise, and further lateral movement within affected environments.

Affected Products

• Rockwell Automation products (refer to Rockwell Automation Security Advisory SD1717 for specific affected versions)

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-01-28 - CVE-2025-0631 published to NVD
• 2025-01-28 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-0631

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of network communications where the affected product transmits authentication credentials over unencrypted HTTP instead of secure HTTPS. When users authenticate to the affected system, their credentials are sent across the network in plaintext format without any encryption or protection mechanisms.

An attacker positioned on the same network segment or with the ability to intercept network traffic between the client and server can capture these credentials using readily available network sniffing tools. This type of cleartext transmission issue is particularly concerning in industrial control system (ICS) and operational technology (OT) environments where network segmentation may not always be properly implemented.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-0631 is the use of HTTP protocol for transmitting sensitive authentication data instead of HTTPS or another encrypted communication channel. This represents a fundamental security design flaw where the application fails to enforce transport layer security (TLS) for credential transmission, leaving user authentication data exposed to network-level attacks.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring the attacker to have visibility into network traffic between the client and the vulnerable server. Attack scenarios include:

• An attacker on the same local network using passive sniffing tools like Wireshark to capture HTTP traffic containing credentials
• Man-in-the-middle positioning through ARP spoofing or DNS poisoning to intercept authentication requests
• Compromised network infrastructure (switches, routers) providing access to plaintext credential flows

The vulnerability exploits the lack of encryption on authentication communications. No proof-of-concept code is publicly available at this time. For technical details, refer to the Rockwell Automation Security Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-0631

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP authentication traffic to affected Rockwell Automation products on port 80 or other non-HTTPS ports
• Network captures showing cleartext credentials in HTTP POST requests or Authorization headers
• Suspicious authentication patterns from unexpected source IP addresses following credential exposure
• Failed login attempts indicating credential harvesting and replay attacks

Detection Strategies

• Deploy network traffic analysis tools to identify HTTP-based authentication flows to affected systems
• Configure network monitoring to alert on authentication traffic that is not using TLS/HTTPS encryption
• Implement SentinelOne Singularity platform for endpoint detection of suspicious credential usage patterns
• Review access logs for authentication attempts from unusual locations or at abnormal times

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging on affected Rockwell Automation products to track authentication events
• Deploy network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) with rules to detect cleartext credential transmission
• Monitor for lateral movement following potential credential compromise
• Implement Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) correlation rules for authentication anomalies

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-0631

Immediate Actions Required

• Review and implement guidance from the Rockwell Automation Security Advisory SD1717
• Segment affected systems on isolated network segments to limit exposure
• Implement network-level encryption using VPNs or encrypted tunnels where direct HTTPS is not available
• Rotate all credentials that may have been transmitted over unencrypted channels
• Deploy network access controls to limit who can access affected systems

Patch Information

Rockwell Automation has released a security advisory addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the Rockwell Automation Security Advisory SD1717 for specific patch information, firmware updates, and remediation guidance for affected products and versions.

Workarounds

• Implement network segmentation to isolate affected systems from untrusted network segments
• Deploy a TLS-terminating proxy or gateway in front of affected systems to encrypt credential transmission
• Use VPN connections when accessing affected devices remotely
• Enable multi-factor authentication where supported to reduce risk from credential exposure
• Monitor network traffic for signs of credential interception or unauthorized access attempts

# Example: Configure iptables to restrict HTTP access to affected systems
# Replace 192.168.1.100 with the IP of the affected device
# Allow only specific trusted management IPs

# Block all HTTP access to the affected device
iptables -A FORWARD -d 192.168.1.100 -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP

# Allow only from trusted management network
iptables -I FORWARD -s 10.0.0.0/24 -d 192.168.1.100 -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT