CVE-2025-48860 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the ctrlX OS - Setup web application developed by Bosch Rexroth AG. The vulnerability stems from improper access control (CWE-284) within the setup mechanism of the ctrlX OS, which is an industrial operating system used primarily in automation and control systems. Specifically, the flaw allows an authenticated attacker with low privileges to remotely access backup archives that were created by users with elevated permissions. These backup archives may contain sensitive configuration data, credentials, or other critical information relevant to the industrial control environment. The vulnerability requires the attacker to be authenticated with low-level user rights and involves user interaction (UI:R), but does not require physical access or local network presence (AV:N). The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.0, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data and potential manipulation of system configurations. The affected versions include ctrlX OS - Setup versions 1.20.0, 2.6.0, and 3.6.0. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk given the critical nature of industrial control systems and the potential for lateral movement or escalation of privileges after initial access. The lack of available patches at the time of publication underscores the urgency for affected organizations to implement compensating controls.

For European organizations, especially those operating in industrial automation, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure sectors, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk. ctrlX OS is widely used in industrial environments for controlling machinery and processes, meaning that unauthorized access to backup archives could expose sensitive operational data, intellectual property, and system configurations. This exposure could facilitate further attacks such as sabotage, espionage, or disruption of industrial processes, potentially leading to safety hazards, financial losses, and regulatory non-compliance. Given the interconnected nature of industrial control systems in Europe and the emphasis on Industry 4.0 initiatives, exploitation of this vulnerability could have cascading effects across supply chains and critical infrastructure. Furthermore, the requirement for only low-privileged authentication lowers the barrier for attackers who may have gained initial footholds through phishing or other means. The high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts mean that successful exploitation could severely disrupt business operations and damage reputations.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to the ctrlX OS - Setup web application to trusted personnel only, ideally through network segmentation and firewall rules limiting access to management interfaces. 2. Implement strict role-based access controls (RBAC) and monitor user activities to detect anomalous access patterns, especially attempts to access backup archives. 3. Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users accessing the setup interface to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 4. Regularly audit and securely store backup archives, ensuring they are encrypted and access is logged. 5. Until official patches are released, consider disabling remote access to the setup mechanism or applying virtual patching via web application firewalls (WAF) that can detect and block unauthorized backup archive requests. 6. Conduct thorough security awareness training for users with elevated privileges to prevent inadvertent exposure of credentials. 7. Monitor vendor communications closely for patch releases and apply updates promptly. 8. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to identify exploitation attempts early.