CVE-2025-40755 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, i.e., SQL Injection) found in Siemens SINEC NMS software versions earlier than 4.0 SP1. The vulnerability resides in the getTotalAndFilterCounts API endpoint, which does not properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. An attacker with low-level authenticated access can exploit this flaw to inject malicious SQL commands. This injection can lead to unauthorized data manipulation, including insertion of arbitrary data, which can escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, indicating high severity, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The flaw allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain administrative control over the network management system, which is critical in industrial environments. Although no public exploits are currently reported, the vulnerability's characteristics suggest it could be weaponized rapidly. Siemens SINEC NMS is widely used in industrial network management, making this vulnerability a significant risk for operational technology environments.

For European organizations, especially those in industrial sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control over network management infrastructure, potentially disrupting critical industrial processes and causing operational downtime. The compromise of confidentiality could expose sensitive network configurations and operational data, while integrity violations could allow attackers to alter network settings or inject malicious commands, leading to further compromise or sabotage. Availability impacts could result from denial-of-service conditions triggered by malicious queries or privilege escalations. Given Siemens' strong market presence in Europe, particularly in Germany, France, Italy, and the UK, organizations in these countries face heightened risk. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks by threat actors aiming to disrupt European industrial operations or conduct espionage.

Organizations should prioritize upgrading Siemens SINEC NMS to version 4.0 SP1 or later once the patch is released. Until then, restrict access to the getTotalAndFilterCounts endpoint by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to trusted administrators only. Employ strong authentication mechanisms and monitor for unusual query patterns or access attempts indicative of SQL injection attempts. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules tailored to detect and block SQL injection payloads targeting the vulnerable endpoint. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of custom integrations with SINEC NMS to ensure no additional injection vectors exist. Additionally, consider deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for SQL injection and anomalous database activity. Educate administrators on the risks of SQL injection and the importance of least privilege principles to minimize the impact of compromised credentials.