CVE-2025-47900 identifies an OS Command Injection vulnerability (CWE-78) in the Microchip Time Provider 4100, a device used for precise network time synchronization. The vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of special characters in OS command inputs, allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. This flaw affects all versions prior to firmware 2.5. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely (Attack Vector: Adjacent Network) by an attacker with low complexity and low privileges, without requiring user interaction. The CVSS v4.0 base score of 8.9 reflects the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, as successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data manipulation, or denial of service. The device’s role in time synchronization means exploitation could disrupt dependent network services and critical infrastructure operations. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a prime target for attackers once weaponized. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate risk mitigation through network controls and monitoring.

For European organizations, especially those in sectors relying on precise time synchronization such as telecommunications, energy, finance, and critical infrastructure, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to severe operational disruptions. Attackers could manipulate system time, execute arbitrary commands to alter or destroy data, or cause denial of service, impacting service availability and trustworthiness of time-dependent processes. Compromise of Time Provider 4100 devices could serve as a foothold for lateral movement within networks, increasing the risk of broader breaches. The high integrity and availability impact could affect time-sensitive applications including transaction timestamping, logging, and security protocols, potentially causing cascading failures. Given the interconnected nature of European critical infrastructure, the vulnerability poses a systemic risk if not addressed promptly.

1. Apply firmware updates from Microchip immediately once version 2.5 or later is available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are released, restrict network access to Time Provider 4100 devices by implementing strict firewall rules and network segmentation, limiting access to trusted management networks only. 3. Employ intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor for anomalous command execution or suspicious traffic patterns targeting these devices. 4. Conduct regular audits of device configurations and logs to detect unauthorized access attempts or changes. 5. Implement multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls to minimize the risk of low-privilege exploitation. 6. Coordinate with Microchip support for any interim mitigation guidance and monitor vulnerability advisories for updates. 7. Educate operational technology (OT) and IT teams about the risks and signs of exploitation to enhance incident response readiness.