CVE-2025-41711 Overview
CVE-2025-41711 is a cryptographic vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to extract password hashes from firmware images and subsequently perform brute force attacks to recover plaintext passwords of accounts with limited access. This weakness stems from the use of a broken or risky cryptographic algorithm (CWE-327), enabling attackers to compromise credential security without requiring prior authentication.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can extract and crack password hashes from firmware, potentially gaining unauthorized access to affected industrial control systems and IoT devices.
Affected Products
- Janitza industrial devices (see CERTVDE Advisory VDE-2025-079 for specific models)
- Weidmüller industrial devices (see CERTVDE Advisory VDE-2025-096 for specific models)
Discovery Timeline
- March 10, 2026 - CVE-2025-41711 published to NVD
- March 11, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-41711
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability exists due to the use of a weak or broken cryptographic algorithm for storing password hashes within the device firmware. When firmware images are accessible to attackers—either through direct download, network interception, or physical extraction—the embedded password hashes can be extracted and subjected to offline brute force or dictionary attacks.
The underlying issue, classified as CWE-327 (Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm), indicates that the affected devices employ cryptographic mechanisms that do not provide adequate protection for sensitive credential data. This could involve deprecated hashing algorithms, insufficient salt usage, or other cryptographic weaknesses that make hash cracking feasible with modern computing resources.
The network-based attack vector means that firmware images may be obtainable remotely, potentially through device update mechanisms, unsecured firmware distribution channels, or network-accessible storage locations. Once an attacker obtains the firmware, no authentication is required to extract and analyze the embedded credential hashes.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-41711 is the implementation of a broken or risky cryptographic algorithm for password storage within the firmware. This represents a fundamental design flaw where sensitive credential data is not adequately protected using modern, secure hashing algorithms with proper salting and iteration counts.
Industrial control system firmware often inherits legacy cryptographic implementations or uses lightweight algorithms due to resource constraints, which can leave credential storage vulnerable to modern attack techniques.
Attack Vector
The attack proceeds through the following stages:
- Firmware Acquisition: The attacker obtains the firmware image through legitimate download channels, network interception, or physical device access
- Firmware Analysis: Using firmware extraction tools, the attacker unpacks the firmware filesystem and locates configuration files or databases containing password hashes
- Hash Extraction: The embedded password hashes are extracted from the firmware image
- Offline Cracking: The attacker uses brute force or dictionary attacks against the extracted hashes, leveraging the weak cryptographic algorithm to accelerate the cracking process
- Credential Compromise: Successfully cracked passwords provide access to accounts with limited privileges on the affected devices
The attack requires no authentication and can be performed entirely offline once the firmware is obtained, making detection particularly challenging.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-41711
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual download activity targeting firmware distribution servers or update endpoints
- Evidence of firmware extraction tools or password cracking utilities on network systems
- Unauthorized access attempts using credentials associated with affected devices
- Anomalous authentication patterns on industrial control systems following firmware exposure
Detection Strategies
- Monitor firmware distribution channels for unauthorized access or bulk download attempts
- Implement network-based intrusion detection rules for known firmware extraction tool signatures
- Deploy authentication monitoring on affected industrial devices to detect credential abuse
- Track and alert on failed authentication attempts that may indicate brute force activity using cracked credentials
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging on all affected industrial devices and centralize log collection
- Monitor for authentication events using accounts that should have limited or no external access
- Implement file integrity monitoring on systems that store or distribute firmware images
- Review access logs for firmware update servers and distribution points regularly
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-41711
Immediate Actions Required
- Review vendor security advisories from CERTVDE Advisory VDE-2025-079 and CERTVDE Advisory VDE-2025-096 for affected product lists
- Change all default and configured passwords on potentially affected devices immediately
- Implement network segmentation to restrict access to industrial control systems
- Limit network accessibility to firmware update mechanisms and distribution points
Patch Information
Affected organizations should consult the official vendor advisories for patch availability and update instructions:
Apply firmware updates as soon as they become available from the respective vendors, as these updates should implement stronger cryptographic algorithms for credential storage.
Workarounds
- Implement strong, unique passwords that are resistant to brute force attacks on all affected devices
- Restrict network access to affected devices using firewalls and access control lists
- Disable or protect firmware download capabilities where possible to prevent unauthorized firmware acquisition
- Deploy additional authentication mechanisms such as network-level authentication or VPN access requirements for device management
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
