CVE-2025-13053 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-311 (Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data) affecting ASUSTOR ADM NAS devices in versions 4.1.0 through 4.3.3.RKD2 and 5.0.0 through 5.1.0.RN42. The issue stems from the ADM software's failure to enforce TLS certificate verification when users configure the NAS to retrieve or control UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) status. This improper TLS implementation allows an attacker positioned to intercept network traffic between the client and the NAS server to conduct a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack. Through this MITM attack, the adversary can capture sensitive information related to the UPS server configuration, which may include credentials, control commands, or status data. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 7.0 (high), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and partial impact on confidentiality. The scope is high, indicating that the vulnerability affects components beyond the vulnerable software itself. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability's nature makes it a significant concern for environments relying on ASUSTOR ADM for NAS and UPS integration. The lack of enforced TLS certificate validation is a critical cryptographic flaw that undermines the confidentiality of sensitive operational data. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper TLS implementation in networked device management interfaces.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-13053 can be substantial, particularly for those deploying ASUSTOR ADM NAS devices in environments where UPS management is critical, such as data centers, industrial control systems, and enterprise IT infrastructure. Exposure of UPS configuration data can lead to attackers gaining insights into power management strategies, potentially enabling further attacks that disrupt availability or cause operational downtime. Confidentiality breaches may also expose credentials or control commands, increasing the risk of unauthorized UPS manipulation. This could result in unexpected shutdowns or damage to hardware, affecting business continuity. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without authentication means attackers can operate from outside the organization’s perimeter if they can intercept traffic, for example, via compromised network segments or malicious insiders. Given the increasing reliance on NAS devices for critical data storage and backup in European enterprises, this vulnerability poses a risk to data integrity and availability indirectly through UPS control compromise. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks, especially as threat actors develop capabilities to exploit TLS weaknesses.

To mitigate CVE-2025-13053, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Immediately update ASUSTOR ADM devices to versions beyond 5.1.0.RN42 or apply vendor-provided patches once available, as the current affected versions lack enforced TLS certificate verification. 2) Enforce strict TLS certificate validation policies on all NAS devices and client systems interacting with UPS management interfaces to prevent MITM attacks. 3) Segment the network to isolate NAS devices and UPS management traffic from general user and internet-facing networks, reducing the risk of traffic interception. 4) Deploy network monitoring and intrusion detection systems capable of identifying anomalous TLS handshake behaviors or MITM attack signatures. 5) Use VPNs or encrypted tunnels for remote management access to NAS devices to add an additional layer of encryption and authentication. 6) Regularly audit and review UPS configuration and access logs for signs of unauthorized access or configuration changes. 7) Educate IT staff on the risks of improper TLS implementations and the importance of certificate management. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific TLS verification flaw and the operational context of UPS management on ASUSTOR ADM devices.