CVE-2025-24522 is a critical vulnerability identified in KUNBUS GmbH's Revolution Pi OS Bookworm (version 0), specifically related to the Node-RED server component. Node-RED is a widely used flow-based development tool for visual programming, often employed in industrial control systems (ICS) and IoT environments for automation and integration tasks. The vulnerability arises because authentication is not configured by default on the Node-RED server within this OS distribution. This lack of authentication means that any remote attacker can connect to the Node-RED server without credentials, gaining full access to its interface. Through this access, the attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system, effectively compromising the host device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-305 (Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness), indicating a failure to enforce authentication controls. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 10.0, reflecting the highest severity level, with attack vector being network (AV:N), no required privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and a scope change (S:C) that affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and impact potential make this vulnerability extremely dangerous, especially in industrial and critical infrastructure contexts where Revolution Pi devices are deployed. The absence of authentication by default is a significant security misconfiguration that can lead to full system compromise remotely without any barriers.

For European organizations, particularly those in industrial automation, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure sectors, this vulnerability poses a severe risk. Revolution Pi devices are often used in industrial environments to provide cost-effective, open-source PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) solutions. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can gain full control over affected devices, potentially disrupting industrial processes, causing physical damage, or stealing sensitive operational data. The compromise of such devices could lead to production downtime, safety incidents, and significant financial losses. Furthermore, since the vulnerability allows arbitrary command execution, attackers could pivot within networks, escalate privileges, or deploy ransomware and other malware. The critical nature of this vulnerability also raises concerns for sectors like energy, transportation, and manufacturing, which are heavily reliant on automation and control systems. The lack of authentication by default increases the attack surface, especially if devices are exposed to untrusted networks or insufficiently segmented environments. Given the interconnected nature of European industrial networks and the push towards Industry 4.0, the potential impact is amplified by the scale and integration of these systems.

1. Immediate configuration of authentication on the Node-RED server is essential. Administrators should enable strong authentication mechanisms, such as username/password or certificate-based authentication, to restrict access. 2. Network segmentation should be enforced to isolate Revolution Pi devices from public and less trusted networks, limiting exposure to potential attackers. 3. Implement strict firewall rules to restrict inbound traffic to the Node-RED server ports only from trusted management networks or IP addresses. 4. Monitor network traffic and device logs for any unauthorized access attempts or unusual activity related to Node-RED interfaces. 5. Since no official patch is currently available, consider deploying compensating controls such as VPN access for remote management or disabling Node-RED if not required. 6. Engage with KUNBUS GmbH for updates and patches, and plan for timely deployment once available. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on industrial control systems to identify similar misconfigurations. 8. Educate operational technology (OT) personnel about the risks of default configurations and the importance of secure deployment practices.