CVE-2025-28242 is a critical security vulnerability identified in the DAEnetIP4 METO device, version 1.25, specifically affecting the /login_ok.htm endpoint. The vulnerability arises from improper session management, classified under CWE-384 (Session Fixation). This flaw allows an attacker to hijack an active user session without requiring any prior authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network (AV:N), with low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction needed (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects the same security scope. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), indicating that a successful exploit can lead to full compromise of the affected system. The attack vector involves manipulating or reusing session identifiers at the /login_ok.htm endpoint, enabling an attacker to impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to the device or system functionalities. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the high CVSS score of 9.8 underscores the critical nature of this vulnerability and the urgency for remediation. The lack of vendor or product details beyond the device name suggests limited public information, but the presence of this vulnerability in a networked device implies significant risk, especially in environments where DAEnetIP4 METO devices are deployed for critical infrastructure or industrial control systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-28242 can be severe. The DAEnetIP4 METO device is likely used in industrial or network infrastructure contexts, where session hijacking could lead to unauthorized control or disruption of critical systems. This could result in data breaches, operational downtime, or manipulation of industrial processes, affecting sectors such as manufacturing, energy, utilities, and transportation. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means sensitive operational data could be exposed or altered, and system availability could be compromised, leading to financial losses and reputational damage. Additionally, session hijacking could facilitate lateral movement within networks, increasing the risk of broader compromise. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the critical severity demands immediate attention to prevent potential targeted attacks, especially given the increasing cyber threat landscape in Europe.

Given the critical nature of this vulnerability and the lack of available patches, European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Conduct an immediate inventory to identify all DAEnetIP4 METO devices in the network and isolate them if possible from untrusted networks. 2) Employ network segmentation and strict access controls to limit exposure of these devices to only trusted management networks. 3) Monitor network traffic for anomalous session activity around the /login_ok.htm endpoint, including repeated session token reuse or unexpected login patterns. 4) Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) at network gateways or VPNs that provide access to these devices to reduce risk from session hijacking. 5) Where feasible, replace or upgrade devices to versions or alternative products that do not exhibit this vulnerability. 6) Apply compensating controls such as session timeout enforcement and intrusion detection systems tuned to detect session fixation or hijacking attempts. 7) Engage with the device vendor or supplier to obtain patches or firmware updates as soon as they become available. 8) Educate network administrators and security teams about this vulnerability to ensure rapid incident response capability.