CVE-2025-13957 Overview
CVE-2025-13957 is a hard-coded credentials vulnerability (CWE-798) that could enable information disclosure and remote code execution when specific conditions are met. The vulnerability requires the SOCKS Proxy feature to be enabled (disabled by default), along with knowledge of administrator credentials and PostgreSQL database credentials. This combination of requirements creates a potential attack chain for authenticated attackers with network access.
Critical Impact
When exploited, this vulnerability allows remote code execution and information disclosure on affected Schneider Electric products, potentially compromising industrial control systems and critical infrastructure.
Affected Products
- Schneider Electric products with SOCKS Proxy functionality
- Systems with PostgreSQL database integration
- Industrial control system components (refer to vendor advisory for complete list)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-10 - CVE CVE-2025-13957 published to NVD
- 2026-03-11 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-13957
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from the use of hard-coded credentials within the affected Schneider Electric products. Hard-coded credentials represent a significant security weakness as they cannot be changed by administrators and may be discovered through reverse engineering or firmware analysis.
The vulnerability specifically impacts systems where the SOCKS Proxy feature has been enabled. While this feature is disabled by default, organizations that have activated it for proxy functionality become vulnerable. An attacker who has obtained administrator credentials and PostgreSQL database credentials can leverage these hard-coded credentials to achieve unauthorized access and code execution.
The network-based attack vector means exploitation can occur remotely without physical access to the target system, though the requirement for high privileges (administrator credentials) adds complexity to the attack chain.
Root Cause
The root cause is the inclusion of hard-coded credentials within the product's codebase or configuration. CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials) occurs when software contains hard-coded authentication credentials, making it impossible for administrators to change them and allowing attackers who discover these credentials to gain unauthorized access across all affected installations.
Attack Vector
The attack requires a network path to the target system with SOCKS Proxy enabled. An attacker must first obtain valid administrator credentials and PostgreSQL database credentials through other means (phishing, credential stuffing, previous breaches, etc.). Once these credentials are known, the attacker can leverage the hard-coded credentials in conjunction with the SOCKS Proxy functionality to execute arbitrary code or extract sensitive information from the system.
The attack flow involves:
- Reconnaissance to identify systems with SOCKS Proxy enabled
- Acquisition of administrator and PostgreSQL credentials
- Authentication to the target system
- Exploitation of hard-coded credentials via the SOCKS Proxy mechanism
- Execution of malicious code or extraction of sensitive data
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-13957
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected authentication attempts to PostgreSQL database services
- Anomalous SOCKS Proxy traffic patterns or connections from unusual sources
- Unauthorized administrative access or login events
- Unusual process execution following database or proxy interactions
Detection Strategies
- Monitor authentication logs for repeated or failed login attempts to administrative interfaces
- Implement network-based detection for unusual SOCKS Proxy traffic patterns
- Deploy database activity monitoring on PostgreSQL instances to detect unauthorized queries
- Enable and review audit logging for all administrative actions on affected systems
Monitoring Recommendations
- Configure alerting for administrative login events outside of normal business hours
- Monitor network traffic for connections to SOCKS Proxy ports from unauthorized sources
- Implement SIEM rules to correlate database access with subsequent suspicious activities
- Regularly review access logs for PostgreSQL database connections
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-13957
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable SOCKS Proxy functionality if not required for business operations
- Review and rotate all administrator credentials immediately
- Change PostgreSQL database credentials and restrict database access
- Implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems
- Apply vendor patches when available from Schneider Electric
Patch Information
Schneider Electric has published a security notice (SEVD-2026-069-05) addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should review the Schneider Electric Security Notice for detailed remediation guidance and patch availability. Apply all vendor-recommended updates as soon as they become available for your specific product version.
Workarounds
- Keep SOCKS Proxy disabled unless absolutely necessary for operations
- Implement strict network access controls and firewall rules to limit connectivity
- Use strong, unique credentials for all administrative and database accounts
- Deploy additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication where supported
- Consider implementing a VPN or jump server architecture for administrative access
# Configuration example - Disable SOCKS Proxy (verify syntax with vendor documentation)
# Review Schneider Electric documentation for product-specific commands
# Ensure SOCKS Proxy is disabled in product configuration
# Implement network ACLs to restrict access to management interfaces
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
