CVE-2025-68273 Overview
CVE-2025-68273 is an unauthenticated information disclosure vulnerability affecting Signal K Server, a server application designed to run on a central hub in boats for marine data management. This vulnerability allows any unauthenticated user to retrieve sensitive system information, including the full SignalK data schema, connected serial devices, and installed analyzer tools. The exposure of this data facilitates reconnaissance for further attacks against the maritime vessel's network infrastructure.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can enumerate sensitive system configuration data, serial device information, and installed components, enabling targeted follow-up attacks against marine vessel networks.
Affected Products
- Signal K Server versions prior to 2.19.0
- signalk signal_k_server (all platforms)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-01 - CVE-2025-68273 published to NVD
- 2026-01-06 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-68273
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as an Information Exposure weakness (CWE-200). The flaw exists in API endpoints that fail to enforce authentication checks, allowing unauthenticated remote users to query system information that should be restricted to authorized administrators.
The vulnerability enables attackers to gather critical intelligence about the target system without any credentials. Exposed information includes the complete SignalK data schema, which reveals the structure of all data flowing through the server, a list of connected serial devices that may include GPS receivers, AIS transponders, and other marine electronics, and details about installed analyzer tools that could reveal the software composition of the vessel's network.
Root Cause
The root cause stems from missing authentication controls on specific API endpoints within the Signal K Server application. Endpoints that expose system configuration and device enumeration data do not properly validate that the requesting user has authenticated before serving sensitive information. This is a classic broken access control vulnerability where security-critical functionality lacks appropriate authorization checks.
Attack Vector
The attack can be executed remotely over the network without any user interaction or special privileges. An attacker with network access to the Signal K Server can directly query vulnerable API endpoints to retrieve sensitive system information. In marine environments, this could occur through compromised Wi-Fi networks on the vessel, marina networks, or any network segment where the Signal K Server is accessible.
The reconnaissance data obtained through this vulnerability enables attackers to:
- Map the vessel's network topology and connected devices
- Identify specific hardware models for targeted exploits
- Understand data flows for potential interception
- Plan more sophisticated attacks against marine systems
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-68273
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual API requests to system information endpoints from unauthenticated sources
- Multiple reconnaissance-style queries from single IP addresses
- Access log entries showing enumeration of serial devices or data schema without prior authentication
- Network traffic patterns indicating systematic information gathering against Signal K Server instances
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Signal K Server access logs for unauthenticated requests to sensitive endpoints
- Implement network-level monitoring for unusual query patterns against the Signal K Server
- Deploy intrusion detection rules that alert on system information enumeration attempts
- Review firewall logs for external connections to Signal K Server ports
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on Signal K Server instances to capture all API requests
- Implement alerting for failed or suspicious authentication attempts
- Monitor network traffic to Signal K Server for anomalous access patterns
- Conduct regular security audits of Signal K Server configurations and access logs
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-68273
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Signal K Server to version 2.19.0 or later immediately
- Restrict network access to Signal K Server to trusted networks and hosts
- Review access logs for signs of exploitation or reconnaissance activity
- Implement network segmentation to isolate marine systems from untrusted networks
Patch Information
Signal K has released version 2.19.0 which addresses this vulnerability. The patch adds proper authentication requirements to the affected API endpoints, preventing unauthenticated users from accessing sensitive system information.
For detailed patch information, see the GitHub Release v2.19.0 and the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-fpf5-w967-rr2m.
Workarounds
- Place Signal K Server behind a reverse proxy that enforces authentication for all requests
- Implement firewall rules to restrict access to Signal K Server from untrusted networks
- Disable or block access to non-essential API endpoints until patching is possible
- Use VPN connections for remote access to vessel networks running Signal K Server
# Configuration example - Restrict network access using firewall rules
# Allow only trusted local network access to Signal K Server (default port 3000)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3000 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 3000 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
