CVE-2025-41452 is a vulnerability identified in the Danfoss AK-SM8xxA Series devices, specifically affecting versions prior to 4.3.1. This vulnerability falls under CWE-15, which pertains to the external control of system or configuration settings. The issue arises from the device's web interface configuration handling, where an authenticated attacker with high privileges can externally manipulate configuration settings improperly. This improper handling of exceptional conditions can lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition, effectively disrupting the availability of the affected device. The vulnerability requires post-authentication with high privileges, and user interaction is necessary, which limits the ease of exploitation but does not eliminate the risk. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.8 (medium severity), reflecting a network attack vector with high attack complexity and privileges required, but no impact on confidentiality or integrity, only availability. The vulnerability does not have known exploits in the wild as of the publication date. The lack of patch links suggests that either patches are not yet publicly available or not explicitly referenced in the source data. Danfoss AK-SM8xxA Series devices are industrial controllers commonly used in HVAC and building automation systems, making them critical infrastructure components in various sectors.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be significant, particularly for those relying on Danfoss AK-SM8xxA Series devices in critical infrastructure such as commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and energy management systems. A successful exploitation could lead to denial of service, causing operational disruptions, potential safety risks, and financial losses due to downtime. Although the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the loss of availability in control systems can have cascading effects on business continuity and safety compliance. Given the reliance on such devices in energy-efficient building management and industrial automation across Europe, this vulnerability could affect sectors including manufacturing, utilities, and commercial real estate. The requirement for high privileges and authentication reduces the risk from external attackers but raises concerns about insider threats or compromised credentials. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation before widespread exploitation occurs.

1. Immediate upgrade to Danfoss AK-SM8xxA Series firmware version 4.3.1 or later once available, as this version addresses the vulnerability. 2. Restrict access to the device's web interface to trusted networks and enforce strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication where possible, to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general IT networks and limit exposure to potential attackers. 4. Monitor access logs and system behavior for unusual configuration changes or repeated failed authentication attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on industrial control devices to identify and remediate similar configuration vulnerabilities. 6. Establish strict role-based access controls (RBAC) to minimize the number of users with high privilege levels capable of making configuration changes. 7. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing denial of service scenarios in industrial control environments to minimize downtime impact.