CVE-2025-30173: ASPECT File Upload Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2025-30173 Overview

CVE-2025-30173 is a file upload vulnerability affecting ABB building automation systems in the ASPECT product family. An attacker who obtains session administrator credentials can upload arbitrary files to affected devices. The flaw is classified under CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type.

The vulnerability affects ASPECT-Enterprise, NEXUS Series, and MATRIX Series products through version 3.08.03. Exploitation requires valid administrator session credentials, which raises the attack bar but still exposes integrity and availability of the affected controllers.

Critical Impact

Compromised administrator credentials allow attackers to upload malicious files to ASPECT devices, enabling tampering with building automation logic and potential service disruption.

Affected Products

• ABB ASPECT-Enterprise through 3.08.03
• ABB NEXUS Series through 3.08.03
• ABB MATRIX Series through 3.08.03

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-05-22 - CVE-2025-30173 published to NVD
• 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-30173

Vulnerability Analysis

The ASPECT, NEXUS, and MATRIX product lines are ABB building management and energy management platforms. The affected firmware exposes an administrative file upload interface that does not sufficiently validate the content or type of uploaded files. Once a valid administrator session is established, the attacker can place attacker-controlled files on the device.

Because the uploaded files are processed by the device, attackers can introduce malicious payloads that alter controller behavior, modify configuration, or impact monitoring data. The attack is network-based and does not require user interaction once credentials are available.

The advisory describes the issue as conditional on prior credential compromise. However, credentials for building automation systems are frequently reused, default, or exposed through adjacent systems, making this precondition realistic in production environments.

Root Cause

The root cause is insufficient validation of file uploads in the administrator interface, consistent with CWE-434. The application accepts files without verifying type, content, or integrity against an allowlist.

Attack Vector

An attacker with valid session administrator credentials sends a crafted HTTP request to the affected device's upload endpoint. The device accepts the file and processes it according to its configured handlers. No local access or physical presence is required.

No verified public proof-of-concept code is available for this CVE. Refer to the ABB Technical Documentation PDF for vendor-provided technical detail.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30173

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected files or scripts present in writable directories of ASPECT, NEXUS, or MATRIX devices
• Administrator session logins from unfamiliar source IP addresses or outside normal maintenance windows
• HTTP POST requests to administrative upload endpoints with unusual file extensions or sizes

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server and application logs on ASPECT devices for file upload operations and correlate them with authenticated administrator sessions
• Audit stored files on the device against a known-good baseline to identify unauthorized additions or modifications
• Alert on administrator authentication events that deviate from established operator schedules or source networks

Monitoring Recommendations

• Forward device logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation with identity events
• Track all administrator credential use across OT and IT boundaries to identify credential reuse or theft
• Baseline normal configuration file sizes and checksums, and alert on changes outside maintenance windows

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30173

Immediate Actions Required

• Rotate all ASPECT, NEXUS, and MATRIX administrator credentials and remove any shared or default accounts
• Restrict network access to device management interfaces using firewall rules or VLAN segmentation
• Review device file systems for unauthorized uploads introduced before mitigation

Patch Information

The advisory identifies affected versions as ASPECT-Enterprise, NEXUS Series, and MATRIX Series through 3.08.03. Consult the ABB Technical Documentation PDF for vendor remediation guidance and fixed release information.

Workarounds

• Place affected devices behind a VPN or jump host so management interfaces are not reachable from general corporate or internet-facing networks
• Enforce multi-factor authentication for any upstream identity provider that fronts administrator access to ASPECT systems
• Disable or remove unused administrator accounts and enforce least-privilege role assignment on remaining accounts