CVE-2025-41730 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-121, affecting WAGO Industrial-Managed-Switches. The root cause is unsafe usage of sscanf within the check_account() function, which improperly parses input and writes beyond the bounds of fixed-size stack buffers. This flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to send crafted input that overwrites stack memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution and full device compromise. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring prior authentication, though user interaction is necessary, possibly through crafted network packets or management interface inputs. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no privileges required. The affected product is critical infrastructure hardware used in industrial environments for network management and control. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the critical role of these switches in industrial control systems. The unsafe sscanf usage is a classic programming error that leads to buffer overflows, which are among the most dangerous vulnerabilities due to their potential for remote code execution and system takeover.

For European organizations, especially those in manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors relying on WAGO Industrial-Managed-Switches, this vulnerability could lead to severe operational disruptions. Successful exploitation can result in full device compromise, allowing attackers to manipulate network traffic, disrupt industrial processes, or pivot to other network segments. This threatens the confidentiality of sensitive operational data, the integrity of control commands, and the availability of network services. Given the increasing digitization and automation in European industries, the impact could extend to safety hazards and significant financial losses. The lack of authentication requirement lowers the barrier for attackers, increasing the risk of targeted attacks or widespread scanning and exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also poses risks to supply chain security and may affect compliance with European cybersecurity regulations such as NIS2.

Immediate mitigation should focus on network-level controls: restrict access to management interfaces of WAGO switches using firewalls and VLAN segmentation to limit exposure to untrusted networks. Implement strict ingress filtering and monitor network traffic for anomalous patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Disable or restrict remote management features if not required. Since no patches are currently available, organizations should engage with WAGO for timelines on security updates and apply them promptly once released. Employ intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures targeting this vulnerability when available. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on industrial network devices. Additionally, implement robust logging and alerting to detect suspicious activity related to device management. Train operational technology (OT) staff to recognize and respond to potential exploitation attempts. Finally, consider deploying network segmentation to isolate critical industrial control systems from general IT networks to minimize lateral movement in case of compromise.