CVE-2025-28388 identifies a security vulnerability in OpenC3 COSMOS version 6.0.0, where hardcoded credentials for a Service Account have been discovered embedded within the software. Hardcoded credentials are static usernames and passwords that are embedded directly into the source code or binaries, which cannot be changed by the end user. This practice poses a significant security risk because if these credentials become publicly known or are extracted by an attacker, they can be used to gain unauthorized access to the system. The Service Account typically has elevated privileges to perform automated or background tasks, meaning exploitation could lead to unauthorized administrative access or control over the affected system. The vulnerability does not specify particular affected versions beyond 6.0.0, nor does it provide details on the scope of the Service Account’s privileges or the exact nature of the credentials (e.g., username/password or token). There is no CVSS score assigned, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date (June 13, 2025). However, the presence of hardcoded credentials inherently increases the risk of compromise, especially if the software is widely deployed and the credentials are not unique per installation. Attackers could leverage these credentials to bypass authentication mechanisms, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within networks where OpenC3 COSMOS is deployed. Given the lack of patch information, it is unclear if a remediation is currently available, which further elevates the risk for organizations using this version.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be substantial, particularly for those relying on OpenC3 COSMOS v6.0.0 for critical infrastructure management, automation, or operational technology environments. Unauthorized access via hardcoded credentials could lead to data breaches, manipulation of operational processes, disruption of services, or unauthorized control over critical systems. This could affect confidentiality by exposing sensitive data, integrity by allowing unauthorized changes to system configurations or data, and availability by enabling attackers to disrupt services. The risk is amplified in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transportation, and government, where OpenC3 COSMOS might be used for control systems. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk, but the static nature of hardcoded credentials means that once discovered, exploitation can be straightforward. European organizations with limited visibility into embedded credentials or those lacking robust network segmentation and monitoring could be particularly vulnerable to lateral movement and persistent threats stemming from this vulnerability.

1. Immediate audit of all OpenC3 COSMOS v6.0.0 deployments to identify the presence of hardcoded credentials. 2. Implement network segmentation to isolate systems running OpenC3 COSMOS, limiting access to trusted administrators and reducing attack surface. 3. Employ strong monitoring and alerting for unusual authentication attempts or access patterns related to the Service Account. 4. Where possible, replace or override hardcoded credentials with unique, securely stored credentials using secrets management solutions. 5. Engage with the vendor or software maintainers to obtain patches or updated versions that remove hardcoded credentials. 6. If patches are unavailable, consider temporary compensating controls such as disabling the Service Account if feasible or restricting its network access. 7. Conduct regular penetration testing and code reviews to detect similar issues in other software components. 8. Educate system administrators and security teams about the risks of hardcoded credentials and encourage secure development practices for future deployments.