CVE-2025-50121: OS Command Injection RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-50121 Overview

CVE-2025-50121 is a critical OS Command Injection vulnerability (CWE-78) that enables unauthenticated remote code execution through the web interface of affected Schneider Electric products. The vulnerability is triggered when a malicious folder is created via the HTTP web interface. While HTTP access is disabled by default, systems with this feature enabled are vulnerable to complete system compromise without requiring any authentication.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can achieve remote code execution on affected systems by injecting OS commands through the web interface's folder creation functionality, potentially leading to full system compromise.

Affected Products

• Schneider Electric products with HTTP web interface enabled
• Systems with folder creation functionality accessible via HTTP
• Industrial control systems running vulnerable firmware versions

Discovery Timeline

• July 11, 2025 - CVE-2025-50121 published to NVD
• November 3, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-50121

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands (CWE-78). When the HTTP web interface is enabled, the folder creation functionality fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary operating system commands. The vulnerability is particularly severe because it requires no authentication, meaning any network-accessible attacker can exploit it.

The attack can be executed entirely over the network with no user interaction required. While HTTP is disabled by default, organizations that have enabled this feature for remote management capabilities are exposed to significant risk. Successful exploitation grants attackers the same privileges as the web interface process, which often runs with elevated permissions on industrial control systems.

Root Cause

The root cause is inadequate input validation in the folder name parameter during folder creation operations. The web interface directly incorporates user-supplied folder names into OS command strings without proper sanitization or escaping of shell metacharacters. This allows attackers to break out of the intended command context and execute arbitrary commands.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed remotely over the network by sending a specially crafted HTTP request to the web interface's folder creation endpoint. The attacker embeds OS command injection payloads within the folder name parameter, which are then executed by the underlying operating system.

The attacker requires network access to the HTTP web interface (typically port 80 or a custom port). No authentication credentials are needed, making this vulnerability accessible to any attacker who can reach the web interface. The malicious payload is processed immediately upon receipt, with command execution occurring synchronously during the folder creation operation.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-50121

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual folder names in web interface logs containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, $(), or backticks
• Unexpected child processes spawned by the web server process
• Network connections from the web server to external IP addresses
• Suspicious command execution patterns in system audit logs

Detection Strategies

• Monitor HTTP request logs for folder creation requests containing shell metacharacters or command injection patterns
• Implement network-based intrusion detection rules to identify command injection payloads in HTTP traffic
• Enable process monitoring to detect unexpected child processes from web server components
• Review web server access logs for requests to folder creation endpoints from untrusted IP addresses

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure SIEM alerts for HTTP requests containing common command injection patterns targeting folder creation endpoints
• Implement network segmentation monitoring to detect unusual outbound connections from industrial control systems
• Enable comprehensive logging on the web interface and correlate with system-level audit logs
• Deploy endpoint detection and response solutions to identify post-exploitation activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-50121

Immediate Actions Required

• Disable HTTP web interface access immediately if not operationally required (HTTP is disabled by default)
• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to the web interface to trusted management networks only
• Apply vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available
• Monitor affected systems for indicators of compromise using the detection strategies outlined above

Patch Information

Schneider Electric has released a security advisory (SEVD-2025-189-01) addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should review the Schneider Electric Security Notice for detailed patching instructions and affected product versions. Additional technical details are available via the Full Disclosure Mailing List Post.

Workarounds

• Disable HTTP web interface access to eliminate the attack surface entirely
• Implement strict firewall rules to limit web interface access to specific trusted IP addresses
• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with command injection detection rules in front of the web interface
• Use VPN or jump servers to access management interfaces rather than exposing them directly to the network

# Example firewall configuration to restrict web interface access
# Allow only specific management IP to access web interface
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.100.10 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP

# Alternatively, disable the HTTP service if not required
# Consult vendor documentation for product-specific commands