CVE-2025-1711 identifies a vulnerability in the Endress+Hauser MEAC300-FNADE4 device, specifically related to the use of default credentials across multiple services and scopes within the device. The core issue, categorized under CWE-1392 (Use of Default Credentials), arises because the device's various services reuse the same set of default credentials, which are likely well-known or easily guessable. This reuse increases the attack surface since compromising one service or scope could potentially allow unauthorized access to others without additional authentication barriers. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 4.3, indicating a medium severity level. The vector details (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N) show that the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges, no user interaction, and impacts confidentiality to a limited extent, without affecting integrity or availability. The affected product, MEAC300-FNADE4, is an industrial automation/control device from Endress+Hauser, a company specializing in measurement instrumentation and automation solutions. The vulnerability does not have known exploits in the wild yet, and no patches have been linked or published at this time. The reuse of default credentials is a common security weakness that can lead to unauthorized access, data exposure, and potential lateral movement within industrial control environments if exploited. Given the nature of the device, unauthorized access could lead to exposure of sensitive operational data or manipulation of measurement/control processes, though the CVSS indicates no direct impact on integrity or availability from this vulnerability alone.

For European organizations, particularly those operating in industrial sectors such as manufacturing, utilities, chemical processing, or energy, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk. The MEAC300-FNADE4 device is likely deployed in process automation and measurement roles, where unauthorized access could expose sensitive operational data or allow attackers to gather intelligence for further attacks. While the vulnerability itself does not directly allow modification or disruption of device operations, the confidentiality impact could facilitate espionage or preparation for more damaging attacks. European critical infrastructure operators using Endress+Hauser products may face increased risk of reconnaissance or unauthorized monitoring. Additionally, the reuse of default credentials can be exploited by attackers who have gained limited network access, potentially enabling lateral movement within industrial networks. This risk is heightened in environments where network segmentation or access controls are insufficient. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not immediately critical, it should be addressed promptly to prevent escalation or chaining with other vulnerabilities.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Immediately audit all MEAC300-FNADE4 devices to identify instances where default credentials are still in use. 2) Replace all default credentials with strong, unique passwords for each service and scope within the device to prevent credential reuse. 3) Implement strict network segmentation and access controls to limit network exposure of these devices, restricting access only to authorized personnel and systems. 4) Monitor network traffic and device logs for unusual authentication attempts or access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5) Engage with Endress+Hauser support to obtain any forthcoming patches or firmware updates addressing this issue and plan timely deployment once available. 6) Incorporate credential management policies into operational technology (OT) security frameworks, ensuring that default credentials are never deployed in production environments. 7) Conduct regular security training for OT staff emphasizing the risks of default credentials and the importance of credential hygiene. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on device-specific credential management, network controls tailored to industrial environments, and proactive monitoring.