CVE-2025-45466 identifies a security vulnerability in Unitree Go1 robotic platforms with firmware versions up to Go1_2022_05_11. The vulnerability stems from incorrect access control caused by hardcoded authentication credentials stored in plaintext within the device's software. Hardcoded credentials are a critical security flaw because they can be extracted by attackers through reverse engineering, firmware analysis, or memory inspection, allowing unauthorized access to the device. Once an attacker obtains these credentials, they can bypass authentication mechanisms, potentially gaining full control over the robot's functions and data. This vulnerability does not require user interaction or complex exploitation techniques, making it relatively easy to exploit if the device is accessible. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability has been newly published and not yet fully assessed, but the nature of the flaw suggests a significant security risk. No patches or mitigations have been officially released at the time of this report, and no known exploits are currently observed in the wild. The affected product, Unitree Go1, is a quadruped robot used in research, industrial, and commercial environments, which may be network-connected and remotely accessible, increasing the risk of exploitation.

For European organizations using Unitree Go1 robots, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to operational security and data integrity. Unauthorized access could lead to manipulation of robotic operations, causing physical damage, disruption of automated workflows, or leakage of sensitive data collected or processed by the robots. In industrial or research settings, compromised robots could undermine safety protocols or intellectual property protection. The impact extends to availability if attackers disable or misuse the robots, potentially halting critical processes. Given the increasing adoption of robotics in European manufacturing, logistics, and research institutions, exploitation of this vulnerability could result in financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory compliance issues, especially under GDPR if personal data is involved. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the ease of exploitation and the critical role of these devices in operational environments underscore the urgency of addressing this flaw.

European organizations should immediately conduct an inventory to identify all Unitree Go1 robots in use and verify their firmware versions. Until an official patch is released, organizations should restrict network access to these devices by implementing strict network segmentation and firewall rules, limiting communication to trusted management stations only. Employing VPNs or secure tunnels for remote access can reduce exposure. Monitoring network traffic for unusual access attempts or anomalies related to these devices is critical. Organizations should also consider disabling any unnecessary remote management interfaces and changing default or hardcoded credentials if possible through configuration options or firmware updates. Engaging with Unitree Robotics for official patches or firmware updates is essential. Additionally, organizations should prepare incident response plans specific to robotic systems and train personnel on the risks associated with hardcoded credentials. For long-term security, adopting hardware or software solutions that support dynamic credential management and multi-factor authentication for robotic platforms is recommended.