CVE-2025-41451 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the Danfoss AK-SM8xxA Series devices prior to version 4.3.1. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77, which involves improper neutralization of special elements used in OS command execution, commonly known as command injection. Specifically, this flaw arises from insufficient sanitization of alarm-to-mail configuration fields that are incorporated into shell commands. An authenticated attacker with high privileges can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious commands into these configuration fields. When the device processes these fields, the injected commands are executed in the underlying operating system shell, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE) on the device. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 8.7, indicating a high impact, with attack vector being network-based but requiring high attack complexity, privileged authentication, and user interaction. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with a wide scope of impact on the device's system components. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a significant risk for targeted attacks, especially in environments where these devices are deployed. Danfoss AK-SM8xxA Series devices are typically used in industrial automation and building management systems, making this vulnerability particularly critical in operational technology (OT) contexts.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-41451 could be substantial, especially those in sectors relying on industrial automation, HVAC control, and building management systems where Danfoss products are deployed. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on critical infrastructure devices, potentially disrupting operations, causing safety hazards, or enabling lateral movement within networks. This could lead to data breaches, operational downtime, and damage to physical assets. Given the high privileges required, the threat is more relevant to insiders or attackers who have already gained some level of access, but the network-exposed nature of these devices increases risk. European organizations with interconnected OT and IT environments may face compounded risks, including compliance violations under regulations such as NIS2 and GDPR if personal or operational data is compromised. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation before widespread exploitation occurs.

1. Immediate upgrade of all Danfoss AK-SM8xxA Series devices to firmware version 4.3.1 or later, where the vulnerability is patched, is the most effective mitigation. 2. Restrict access to device management interfaces to trusted networks and enforce strong authentication mechanisms to reduce the risk of post-authentication exploitation. 3. Implement network segmentation to isolate OT devices from general IT networks, limiting the attack surface. 4. Monitor device logs and network traffic for unusual alarm-to-mail configuration changes or suspicious command execution patterns. 5. Employ application whitelisting or endpoint detection solutions capable of detecting anomalous command execution on these devices. 6. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments focusing on OT environments to identify and remediate similar issues proactively. 7. Educate administrators and operators on secure configuration practices and the risks of command injection vulnerabilities in OT devices.