CVE-2025-48891 is a high-severity SQL injection vulnerability identified in Advantech iView, a product used primarily in industrial control systems and IoT device management. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization of user input within the CUtils.checkSQLInjection() function. An authenticated attacker with at least user-level privileges can exploit this flaw by injecting malicious SQL code into database queries. This can lead to unauthorized information disclosure, such as extraction of sensitive data from the backend database, or denial-of-service (DoS) conditions by disrupting database operations. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication, and the attack vector is network-based, allowing remote exploitation. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.6 reflects the high impact on confidentiality (high), moderate impact on integrity (low), and availability (low), with low attack complexity and no user interaction required. Since the vulnerability affects a core function responsible for input validation, it potentially impacts all versions of Advantech iView where this function is implemented without proper sanitization. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the presence of this vulnerability in industrial environments raises concerns about operational disruptions and data breaches in critical infrastructure settings.

For European organizations, especially those operating in industrial automation, manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Advantech iView is commonly deployed in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and IoT device management platforms, which are integral to operational technology (OT) environments. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, manipulation of system states, or service interruptions, potentially causing production downtime or safety hazards. Given the interconnected nature of European industrial networks and the increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, a successful attack could cascade, affecting supply chains and critical services. Furthermore, the requirement for authenticated access means insider threats or compromised credentials could facilitate exploitation. The potential for data disclosure also raises compliance concerns under GDPR, as sensitive personal or operational data might be exposed.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Apply vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available, even though no patch links are currently provided, maintain close monitoring of Advantech advisories. 2) Implement strict access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk of credential compromise and limit authenticated user privileges to the minimum necessary. 3) Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on all user inputs at the application level, supplementing the vulnerable CUtils.checkSQLInjection() function with additional security controls or web application firewalls (WAFs) that can detect and block SQL injection attempts. 4) Monitor database query logs and application logs for anomalous activities indicative of injection attempts or unusual data access patterns. 5) Segment OT and IT networks to limit lateral movement in case of compromise and enforce network-level restrictions on access to Advantech iView interfaces. 6) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on injection vulnerabilities in industrial applications. 7) Educate users with access about the risks of credential compromise and enforce strong password policies.