CVE-2025-34242 is a SQL injection vulnerability classified under CWE-89 found in Advantech WebAccess/VPN versions prior to 1.1.5. The flaw resides in the AjaxNetworkController.ajaxAction() method, which processes datatable search parameters without proper sanitization or neutralization of special SQL elements. This improper input handling allows an authenticated user with low-privileged observer rights to craft malicious SQL queries that the backend database executes. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges beyond observer access, nor does it require user interaction, making it easier to exploit remotely over the network. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive database contents, potentially exposing credentials, configuration data, or other critical information stored within the database. The CVSS 4.0 vector (AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N) indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality and integrity. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the sensitive nature of the data handled by WebAccess/VPN, which is often used in industrial and enterprise environments. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate risk mitigation through compensating controls and monitoring. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for secure coding practices, especially input validation and parameterized queries, in web applications managing sensitive network access and control.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk of unauthorized data disclosure, which can compromise operational security and privacy. Given that Advantech WebAccess/VPN is commonly deployed in industrial control systems, manufacturing, and enterprise VPN environments, exploitation could expose sensitive operational data, user credentials, or network configurations. This exposure can facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement, or sabotage of industrial processes. The high confidentiality and integrity impact could lead to regulatory non-compliance under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is leaked. Additionally, disruption or compromise of VPN services can affect business continuity and remote access security. Organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and critical infrastructure in Europe are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on such industrial network solutions. The ease of exploitation by low-privileged authenticated users increases the threat surface, especially in environments with many observer-level accounts or weak internal access controls.

1. Upgrade Advantech WebAccess/VPN to version 1.1.5 or later as soon as the patch becomes available to address the SQL injection vulnerability directly. 2. Until patching is possible, restrict observer user privileges and limit the number of observer accounts to reduce potential attack vectors. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied parameters, especially those used in database queries, employing parameterized queries or prepared statements where feasible. 4. Monitor database logs and application logs for unusual query patterns or repeated failed attempts indicative of SQL injection attempts. 5. Employ network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the WebAccess/VPN management interface to trusted networks and users only. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on web application vulnerabilities in industrial control systems. 7. Educate administrators and users about the risks of SQL injection and the importance of secure credential management to prevent exploitation by low-privileged users. 8. Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting SQL injection patterns as an additional layer of defense.