CVE-2025-32825: Siemens Telecontrol Server Basic SQLi Flaw

CVE-2025-32825 Overview

CVE-2025-32825 is a SQL injection vulnerability [CWE-89] affecting Siemens TeleControl Server Basic versions prior to V3.1.2.2. The flaw resides in the internally used GetProjects method, which fails to properly sanitize input before constructing database queries. An authenticated remote attacker with access to TCP port 8000 can bypass authorization controls, read and modify the application database, and execute code under the NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService account. The vulnerability impacts industrial control system (ICS) deployments where TeleControl Server Basic manages remote terminal units (RTUs) over wide-area networks.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can pivot from an authorization bypass to arbitrary database read/write and remote code execution as NetworkService on Siemens TeleControl Server Basic hosts.

Affected Products

Siemens TeleControl Server Basic — all versions before V3.1.2.2
Deployments exposing TCP port 8000 to the network
Industrial environments running TeleControl Server Basic for SCADA/RTU communication

Discovery Timeline

2025-04-16 - CVE-2025-32825 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-32825

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command within the GetProjects method. This internal routine processes attacker-controlled data and concatenates it directly into a query executed against the application database. Because the affected code path is reachable post-authentication over the network on port 8000, any account with valid credentials becomes a viable attack origin.

Successful exploitation produces three escalating outcomes. First, the injected statements bypass authorization checks enforced at the application layer. Second, the attacker gains read and write access to the underlying database, including project files and configuration tables. Third, the attacker leverages database functionality or stored procedures to execute operating system commands under the NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService identity. From that foothold, lateral movement into the broader operational technology (OT) network becomes feasible.

Root Cause

The GetProjects method constructs SQL queries through string concatenation rather than parameterized statements. Input validation and output encoding are insufficient, allowing meta-characters such as single quotes and statement terminators to alter query semantics. This is a textbook [CWE-89] SQL injection pattern.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires low privileges plus no user interaction. An attacker must reach TCP port 8000 on the host running TeleControl Server Basic and possess authenticated session credentials. From there, crafted requests invoking the GetProjects method deliver the SQL injection payload. Refer to the Siemens Security Advisory SSA-443402 for protocol-level details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-32825

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected outbound process execution spawned by the TeleControl Server Basic service running as NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService
Database log entries showing malformed or unusually long queries originating from the GetProjects code path
New or modified rows in project tables that do not align with operator change-control records
Inbound network sessions to TCP port 8000 from non-engineering workstations or unexpected source subnets

Detection Strategies

Inspect application and database audit logs for SQL syntax errors, UNION-based queries, or stacked statements referencing GetProjects
Alert on child processes launched by the TeleControl Server Basic service binary, particularly cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or scripting interpreters
Correlate authentication events on port 8000 with subsequent database write activity to identify abuse of valid credentials

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward Windows Security, Sysmon, and application logs from TeleControl Server hosts to a centralized analytics platform for retention and query
Baseline normal database query patterns issued by the application service account and alert on deviations
Monitor north-south and east-west traffic to port 8000 and restrict it to known engineering management subnets

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-32825

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade Siemens TeleControl Server Basic to version V3.1.2.2 or later as specified in the vendor advisory
Restrict network access to TCP port 8000 using host-based firewalls or network ACLs so that only authorized engineering systems can connect
Rotate credentials for all accounts permitted to authenticate to the TeleControl Server, particularly service and administrative accounts
Audit the application database for unauthorized rows, schema changes, or stored procedure modifications

Patch Information

Siemens has released a fixed version, V3.1.2.2, that addresses CVE-2025-32825. Apply the update following Siemens' deployment guidance in the Siemens Security Advisory SSA-443402. After patching, validate that the GetProjects code path no longer accepts injected SQL by reviewing application logs during regression testing.

Workarounds

Place TeleControl Server Basic behind a segmented firewall and permit access to port 8000 only from a hardened jump host
Enforce strong, unique credentials and multi-factor authentication on perimeter access paths to reduce the pool of attackers able to authenticate
Run the TeleControl Server service with the least privilege necessary and remove unused database accounts or stored procedures that enable command execution

bash

# Example Windows Firewall rule to restrict TCP port 8000 to an engineering subnet
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="TeleControl-8000-Restrict" ^
  dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=8000 ^
  remoteip=10.10.20.0/24

netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="TeleControl-8000-Block-Other" ^
  dir=in action=block protocol=TCP localport=8000