Overview
The vulnerability CVE-2025-2523 is a significant security concern that affects Honeywell Experion PKS and OneWireless WDM. This vulnerability is rooted in the Control Data Access (CDA) component of these systems, leading to an integer underflow. The vulnerability can be utilized by attackers to manipulate the system’s communication channel, potentially enabling remote code execution. As these systems are widely used in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical, power generation, pulp, paper, and metals, this vulnerability could have far-reaching impacts if left unaddressed.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-2523
Severity: Critical – 9.4 (CVSS Severity Score)
Attack Vector: Remote
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
Honeywell Experion PKS | 520.1 through 520.2 TCU9, 530 through 530 TCU3
Honeywell OneWireless WDM | 322.1 through 322.4, 330.1 through 330.3
How the Exploit Works
The vulnerability stems from an integer underflow issue in the Control Data Access (CDA) component of the Honeywell systems. An integer underflow occurs when an operation causes a number to fall below its allowable range. In this case, the system’s failure to properly handle this underflow allows an attacker to manipulate the communication channels. As a result, an attacker could potentially inject malicious code into the system, leading to remote code execution.
Conceptual Example Code
While the exact exploit details are not disclosed to prevent misuse, the conceptual example below demonstrates a typical structure of a remote code execution attack.
POST /CDA-communication-channel HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.com
Content-Type: application/json
{ "malicious_code": "..." }In this conceptual example, an attacker sends a POST request to the vulnerable CDA communication channel. The request contains a malicious payload designed to exploit the integer underflow vulnerability. Once the malicious code is executed, the attacker could potentially compromise the system or cause data leakage.
Mitigation Guidance
Honeywell has recommended updates to the most recent version of Honeywell Experion PKS:520.2 TCU9 HF1 and 530.1 TCU3 HF1 and OneWireless: 322.5 and 331.1 for mitigation. If immediate patching is not feasible, the use of a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can provide temporary mitigation. Regular monitoring and patching of systems are crucial steps in maintaining system security.