CVE-2025-52694 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability (CWE-89) found in multiple Advantech IoTSuite and IoT Edge products, including SaaSComposer, IoTSuite Growth and Starter Linux dockers, IoT Edge on Linux and Windows, WebAccess/SCADA, and ECOWatch SaaS-Composer. The flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the backend database by exploiting insufficient input validation in the vulnerable services when exposed to the internet. This can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, severely compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data managed by these IoT platforms. The vulnerability affects versions prior to V3.4.15 for SaaSComposer, V2.0.2 for IoTSuite and IoT Edge dockers, and V9.2.2 for WebAccess/SCADA. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 10.0, reflecting the ease of exploitation (no authentication or user interaction required), network attack vector, and the complete impact on system security. These products are widely used in industrial IoT environments for device management, data collection, and control, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for operational technology (OT) environments. No public exploit code or active exploitation has been reported yet, but the critical nature demands immediate attention. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in January 2026, with no official patches linked in the provided data, though users are advised to update to the latest versions as soon as they become available.

For European organizations, especially those in manufacturing, energy, transportation, and critical infrastructure sectors that rely on Advantech IoTSuite and IoT Edge products, this vulnerability poses a severe risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, manipulation of IoT device configurations, disruption of industrial processes, and potential safety hazards. The compromise of data integrity and availability could result in operational downtime, financial losses, regulatory non-compliance, and reputational damage. Given the interconnected nature of industrial control systems in Europe, a successful attack could cascade, affecting supply chains and critical services. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements lowers the barrier for attackers, increasing the likelihood of exploitation if vulnerable systems are internet-facing. Although no known exploits are currently active, the critical CVSS score and broad product impact necessitate urgent mitigation to prevent potential attacks targeting European industrial IoT deployments.

European organizations should immediately inventory their Advantech IoTSuite and IoT Edge product deployments to identify affected versions. They must prioritize upgrading to the latest patched versions: SaaSComposer to at least V3.4.15, IoTSuite Growth and Starter Linux dockers and IoT Edge (Linux and Windows) to at least V2.0.2, and WebAccess/SCADA to V9.2.2 or later. Until patches are applied, organizations should restrict internet exposure of these services by implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to trusted IPs only. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with SQL injection detection and prevention capabilities to monitor and block suspicious queries. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on any custom integrations with these platforms. Regularly audit logs for anomalous database queries or unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, implement strong monitoring and incident response plans tailored to IoT and OT environments. Collaborate with Advantech support channels for timely patch releases and guidance. Finally, raise awareness among operational teams about the risks of exposing IoT management interfaces publicly.