Danfoss AK-SM 8xxA Series (Update A)
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- CVSS v4 8.7
- ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely
- Vendor: Danfoss
- Equipment: AK-SM 8xxA Series
- Vulnerability: Improper Authentication, Command Injection, External Control of System or Configuration Setting
2. RISK EVALUATION
Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could enable a remote attacker to bypass authentication and remotely execute arbitrary code.
3. TECHNICAL DETAILS
3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS
The following versions of AK-SM 8xxA series are affected:
- AK-SM 8xxA Series: Versions prior to R4.2 (CVE-2025-41450)
- AK-SM 8xxA Series: Versions prior to 4.3.1 (CVE-2025-41451, CVE-2025-41452)
3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW
3.2.1 IMPROPER AUTHENTICATION CWE-287
An unauthorized access vulnerability, caused by datetime-based password generation, could potentially result in an authentication bypass in Danfoss AK-SM8xxA Series, prior to version R4.2.
CVE-2025-41450 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:L/A:H).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2025-41450. A base score of 7.3 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:L/VA:H/SC:H/SI:L/SA:H).
3.2.2 IMPROPER NEUTRALIZATION OF SPECIAL ELEMENTS USED IN A COMMAND ('Command Injection') CWE-77
Improper neutralization of alarm-to-mail configuration fields used in an OS shell command injection in Danfoss AK-SM8xxA Series, prior to version 4.3.1, may lead to post-authenticated remote code execution on an attacked system.
CVE-2025-41451 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.6 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2025-41451. A base score of 8.7 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:P/PR:H/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H).
3.2.3 EXTERNAL CONTROL OF SYSTEM OR CONFIGURATION SETTING CWE-15
A post-authenticated external control of system web interface configuration setting vulnerability exists in the Danfoss AK-SM8xxA Series prior to version 4.3.1, which could allow for a denial-of-service attack induced by improper handling of exceptional conditions.
CVE-2025-41452 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.4 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:H).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2025-41452. A base score of 6.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:P/PR:H/UI:A/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:H).
3.3 BACKGROUND
- CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Commercial Facilities
- COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
- COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Denmark
3.4 RESEARCHER
Tomer Goldschmidt of Claroty Team82 reported these vulnerabilities to CISA.
4. MITIGATIONS
Danfoss created release R4.2 to address CVE-2025-41450 and release R4.3.1 to address CVE-2025-41451 and CVE-2025-41452. Users can obtain and install the latest version by following the AK-SM 800A Software Upgrade Process.
For more information, see the Danfoss security advisories.
CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of these vulnerabilities, such as:
- Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the Internet.
- Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
- When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.
CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.
CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.
CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.
Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.
Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.
CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:
- Do not click web links or open attachments in unsolicited email messages.
- Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams.
- Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information on social engineering attacks.
No known public exploitation specifically targeting these vulnerabilities have been reported to CISA at this time. These vulnerabilities have a high attack complexity.
5. UPDATE HISTORY
- May 20, 2025: Initial Publication
- August 26, 2025: Update A - Added CVE-2025-41451 and CVE-2025-41452
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