CVE-2025-54319 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Westermo WeOS version 5.24.0 through 5.24.4. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-532, which involves the insertion of sensitive information into log files. Specifically, this issue arises from verbose syslog logging that inadvertently includes sensitive credentials. An attacker with network access could potentially exploit this vulnerability by intercepting or accessing these logs to obtain unauthorized sensitive information, such as authentication credentials. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.3, reflecting a network attack vector (AV:N) with high attack complexity (AC:H), requiring low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and a scope change (S:C). The impact primarily affects confidentiality (C:H), with no direct impact on integrity or availability. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a risk because logging sensitive credentials can lead to credential compromise and subsequent unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects embedded network operating systems used in industrial and critical infrastructure environments, where Westermo WeOS is deployed on industrial routers and switches. These devices often operate in environments requiring high reliability and security, such as manufacturing plants, transportation networks, and energy grids. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to harvest credentials, potentially enabling lateral movement or further compromise of networked systems.

For European organizations, especially those in critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and industrial automation, this vulnerability poses a significant confidentiality risk. Westermo WeOS devices are commonly used in industrial network environments across Europe, where secure and reliable communication is essential. Unauthorized access to credentials via log files could lead to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, or disruption of industrial control systems. The exposure of sensitive credentials could facilitate advanced persistent threats (APTs) or insider threats, undermining operational integrity and safety. Given the high reliance on industrial networks in European critical sectors, exploitation could have cascading effects on operational continuity and safety compliance. Furthermore, regulatory frameworks such as the NIS Directive and GDPR emphasize the protection of sensitive information and critical infrastructure, increasing the legal and reputational risks associated with this vulnerability.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should take the following specific actions: 1) Immediately review and adjust syslog verbosity settings on affected Westermo WeOS devices to disable verbose logging that includes sensitive credentials. 2) Apply any available patches or firmware updates from Westermo as soon as they are released; if no patches are currently available, engage with Westermo support for mitigation guidance. 3) Implement strict access controls and network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces and log files, ensuring only authorized personnel can view logs. 4) Employ secure log management practices, including encrypting log data at rest and in transit, and regularly auditing logs for sensitive information exposure. 5) Monitor network traffic for unusual access patterns that could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. 6) Incorporate this vulnerability into incident response plans, preparing for potential credential compromise scenarios. 7) Conduct regular security training for operational technology (OT) personnel to recognize and respond to such vulnerabilities. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on configuration changes, access control, and operational security tailored to industrial network environments.