CVE-2025-47904 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-494 (Download of Code Without Integrity Check) affecting Microchip Time Provider 4100 devices running firmware versions prior to 2.5. The flaw arises because the device’s manual software update mechanism does not verify the integrity or authenticity of the downloaded code, allowing an attacker with sufficient privileges to install malicious firmware. The vulnerability requires local or limited network access (Attack Vector: Local), high attack complexity, and high privileges, but does not require user interaction. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.7, reflecting a medium severity level. The impact includes potential unauthorized code execution, leading to compromise of device confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Given the device’s role in providing precise time synchronization, exploitation could disrupt critical infrastructure operations dependent on accurate timing, such as telecommunications, power grids, and financial systems. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the risk remains significant due to the critical nature of the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where physical or local network access controls are weak, enabling attackers to perform malicious manual updates.

The vulnerability could allow attackers with high privileges to install malicious firmware on Time Provider 4100 devices, potentially leading to unauthorized control over time synchronization services. This can disrupt operations in critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunications, energy, and finance, where precise timing is essential. Compromise of time synchronization can cause cascading failures, data integrity issues, and service outages. Confidentiality may be impacted if attackers use the device as a foothold for lateral movement. Integrity and availability are directly threatened as malicious code could alter or disable time services. Although exploitation requires local access and high privileges, the critical role of these devices in infrastructure magnifies the potential impact. Organizations worldwide relying on these devices face risks of operational disruption and security breaches.

1. Upgrade Microchip Time Provider 4100 devices to firmware version 2.5 or later once available to ensure integrity checks are implemented during software updates. 2. Restrict local and network administrative access to the devices using strong authentication and access control policies. 3. Implement network segmentation to isolate time synchronization devices from general network access, limiting attacker lateral movement. 4. Monitor device logs and update processes for unauthorized or suspicious manual update attempts. 5. Employ physical security controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to devices. 6. Use cryptographic verification mechanisms for firmware updates if supported, or deploy external validation proxies. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on device update mechanisms and access controls. 8. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential time synchronization disruptions.