CVE-2025-48862 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Bosch Rexroth AG's ctrlX OS - Setup component, specifically versions 1.20.0, 2.6.0, and 3.6.0. The vulnerability arises from ambiguous wording in the web interface of the ctrlX OS setup mechanism, which misleads users into believing that the entire backup file is encrypted when a password is set. In reality, only the private key contained within the backup (if present) is encrypted, while the backup file itself remains unencrypted and thus exposed. This discrepancy can lead to a false sense of security, causing users to store sensitive backup files under the assumption they are protected, when in fact the data is accessible in plaintext. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 reflects a high severity, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and a scope change (S:C). The impact is primarily on confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity or availability. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-1104 (Use of Unmaintained Third Party Components) and CWE-311 (Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data), suggesting that the root cause may involve reliance on outdated or improperly secured third-party components and failure to encrypt sensitive backup data fully. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the potential exposure of sensitive configuration and private key data if backup files are accessed by unauthorized parties. This could lead to unauthorized access or compromise of industrial control systems managed by ctrlX OS, which is used in automation and industrial environments.

For European organizations using Bosch Rexroth AG's ctrlX OS, particularly in industrial automation sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, and critical infrastructure, this vulnerability poses a substantial confidentiality risk. Backup files that are assumed to be encrypted may be stored insecurely or transmitted over networks, exposing sensitive configuration data and private keys to attackers with local access or through compromised internal systems. This could facilitate unauthorized system access, intellectual property theft, or sabotage of industrial processes. Given the critical role of industrial control systems in European manufacturing and infrastructure, exploitation could disrupt operations, cause financial losses, and impact supply chains. The scope change indicated by the CVSS vector suggests that exploitation could affect components beyond the initial vulnerable setup interface, potentially compromising broader system security. The lack of integrity and availability impact reduces the risk of direct system manipulation or downtime but does not mitigate the serious confidentiality breach. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate risk but does not preclude future targeted attacks, especially as threat actors increasingly focus on industrial control systems in Europe.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Immediately review and audit backup procedures for ctrlX OS setups to verify the actual encryption status of backup files rather than relying on interface indications. 2) Implement additional encryption measures for backup files at rest and in transit, such as using full-disk encryption or secure file containers, to ensure confidentiality beyond the built-in mechanisms. 3) Restrict access to backup files strictly to authorized personnel and systems, employing strong access controls and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. 4) Apply network segmentation and isolate industrial control systems to limit local access vectors that could be exploited. 5) Engage with Bosch Rexroth AG for patches or updates addressing this issue and plan for timely deployment once available. 6) Educate users and administrators about the misleading interface wording to prevent complacency regarding backup security. 7) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on backup and key management processes within ctrlX OS environments. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on compensating controls and operational changes to address the specific nature of the vulnerability until a vendor patch is released.