CVE-2025-48981 identifies a critical vulnerability in CompuGroup Medical's CGM MEDICO software, specifically version 29.0. The root cause is an insecure implementation of the proprietary DNET protocol, which is used for communication within the product. The protocol allows encryption to be optional, and in many cases, it is not enforced, enabling attackers with access to the same intranet to intercept (eavesdrop) and manipulate data transmitted over this protocol. This vulnerability falls under CWE-311 (Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data), indicating a failure to adequately protect data in transit. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requiring no privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N), making it relatively easy to exploit if an attacker gains intranet access. The impact is primarily on confidentiality (high), with some impact on integrity and availability (both low). Although no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a significant risk, especially in healthcare environments where CGM MEDICO is deployed. The lack of encryption can expose sensitive patient data and allow attackers to alter medical information, potentially leading to incorrect treatments or diagnoses. The vulnerability was published on October 8, 2025, and has a CVSS v3.1 score of 8.6, categorizing it as high severity. No patches or fixes have been linked yet, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation strategies.

For European organizations, particularly healthcare providers using CGM MEDICO, this vulnerability poses a serious threat to patient data confidentiality and the integrity of medical records. Unauthorized eavesdropping can lead to exposure of sensitive personal health information, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations, potentially resulting in legal and financial consequences. Manipulation of data could cause incorrect medical decisions, risking patient safety and undermining trust in healthcare systems. The vulnerability's exploitation within intranet environments means that insider threats or lateral movement by attackers who breach perimeter defenses could leverage this flaw. Given the critical nature of healthcare infrastructure in Europe and the reliance on CGM MEDICO in multiple countries, the impact could be widespread, affecting hospital operations and patient care continuity. Additionally, the potential for data manipulation, even if limited, could disrupt clinical workflows and damage organizational reputation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-48981, organizations should immediately enforce encryption on all DNET protocol communications within CGM MEDICO, either by configuring the software to require encryption or by deploying network-level encryption solutions such as IPsec tunnels within the intranet. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate CGM MEDICO systems from general user networks, limiting access to trusted devices and personnel only. Continuous monitoring of internal network traffic for unusual patterns or unauthorized access attempts is critical to detect exploitation attempts early. Organizations should also conduct internal audits to identify all CGM MEDICO installations and verify their version and configuration status. Until a vendor patch is available, consider deploying host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) on CGM MEDICO servers to alert on suspicious activities. Employee training on insider threat awareness and strict access controls can further reduce risk. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups of medical data to ensure recovery in case of data integrity compromise.