CVE-2025-52601 is a vulnerability identified in Hanwha Vision Co., Ltd.'s Device Manager software, specifically related to the use of a hard-coded cryptographic key (CWE-321). This cryptographic weakness means that the encryption key used to protect sensitive information within the software is embedded directly in the code and is not dynamically generated or user-specific. An attacker who gains limited local privileges on a system running an affected version (prior to 2.9.3.1) can extract this hard-coded key and use it to decrypt sensitive data that the Device Manager protects. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and does not expose the system remotely by itself, but the low attack vector (local) combined with low attack complexity means that an insider threat or an attacker who has already compromised a low-privilege account could escalate their access to sensitive information. The vulnerability has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 6.3, reflecting medium severity, with high scope and impact on confidentiality. The flaw does not affect integrity or availability directly but compromises confidentiality of sensitive data. The manufacturer has acknowledged the issue and released patched firmware to remediate the vulnerability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. This vulnerability is particularly relevant in environments where Device Manager is used to control or monitor industrial control systems (ICS) or IoT devices, as sensitive operational data could be exposed.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-52601 can be significant, especially in sectors relying on Hanwha Vision Device Manager for managing security cameras, IoT devices, or industrial control systems. Exposure of sensitive information through decryption using the hard-coded key could lead to unauthorized disclosure of operational data, surveillance footage, or configuration details. This could facilitate further attacks such as espionage, sabotage, or unauthorized surveillance. In critical infrastructure sectors like energy, transportation, or manufacturing, such data exposure could undermine operational security and privacy compliance obligations under regulations like GDPR. The vulnerability's requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but increases risk from insider threats or attackers who have gained initial foothold. The medium severity rating suggests moderate urgency but patching should be prioritized to prevent escalation and data leaks.

Organizations should immediately upgrade Hanwha Vision Device Manager to version 2.9.3.1 or later, where the hard-coded cryptographic key issue has been resolved. Until patching is complete, restrict local access to systems running Device Manager to trusted administrators only and monitor for unusual local activity. Implement strict access controls and audit logging to detect unauthorized attempts to access or extract sensitive data. Consider network segmentation to isolate Device Manager hosts from general user networks, reducing the risk of lateral movement. Additionally, review and rotate any cryptographic keys or credentials that may have been exposed due to this vulnerability. Regularly verify firmware and software integrity using vendor-provided checksums to prevent tampering. Finally, educate staff about the risks of insider threats and enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize potential exploitation.