CVE-2025-2765 is a vulnerability identified in the CarlinKit CPC200-CCPA wireless hotspot device, specifically related to the use of hard-coded credentials within its authentication mechanism. The flaw arises from the device's configuration, where fixed, embedded credentials are used to control access to the wireless hotspot functionality. This design weakness allows an attacker who is network-adjacent—meaning they can connect to the same local network or wireless range—to bypass authentication entirely without needing to provide any valid user credentials. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-798, which pertains to the use of hard-coded credentials, a common security anti-pattern that can lead to unauthorized access. Exploitation does not require user interaction or prior authentication, significantly lowering the barrier for attackers. Although no public exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date (April 23, 2025), the presence of hard-coded credentials inherently poses a persistent risk. The affected product version is 2024.01.19.1541. The vulnerability was reserved by ZDI (Zero Day Initiative) under ZDI-CAN-24349 and has been enriched by CISA, indicating recognition by US cybersecurity authorities. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting further increases the urgency for mitigation. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the device's authentication process and potentially the availability of the wireless hotspot service if attackers leverage the bypass to disrupt operations or gain further access to connected systems.

For European organizations, the exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to wireless hotspots provided by CarlinKit CPC200-CCPA devices. This unauthorized access could allow attackers to intercept sensitive data transmitted over the network, manipulate device configurations, or use the compromised hotspot as a pivot point to launch further attacks within the internal network. Organizations relying on these devices for mobile connectivity or IoT integration may face increased risks of data breaches, network infiltration, and service disruption. The confidentiality of communications is at risk due to potential eavesdropping, while integrity could be compromised if attackers alter device settings or network traffic. Availability could also be affected if attackers disrupt hotspot services or overload the device. Given that authentication bypass requires no credentials and no user interaction, the threat is more severe in environments where these devices are deployed in publicly accessible or semi-public areas, such as transportation fleets, logistics, or mobile workforce scenarios common in European enterprises. The medium severity rating reflects the balance between the ease of exploitation and the scope of impact, but the absence of patches and the critical role of such devices in connectivity elevate the risk profile for affected organizations.

1. Immediate network segmentation: Isolate CarlinKit CPC200-CCPA devices on dedicated VLANs or subnets with strict access controls to limit exposure to unauthorized users. 2. Disable wireless hotspot functionality if not essential, or restrict its use to trusted personnel and devices only. 3. Monitor network traffic for unusual access patterns or unauthorized connections to the hotspot, employing intrusion detection systems tuned for anomalies related to these devices. 4. Implement compensating controls such as VPNs or encrypted tunnels for sensitive communications over the hotspot to mitigate risks from potential interception. 5. Engage with CarlinKit or authorized vendors to obtain firmware updates or patches as soon as they become available; if none exist, consider replacing affected devices with alternatives that do not use hard-coded credentials. 6. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on wireless infrastructure to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. 7. Educate IT and security teams about the risks associated with hard-coded credentials and enforce strict device procurement policies that mandate secure authentication mechanisms.