CVE-2025-54319 is a vulnerability identified in Westermo WeOS version 5.24.0, specifically related to CWE-532, which concerns the insertion of sensitive information into log files. Westermo WeOS is an operating system used primarily in industrial networking equipment such as routers and switches. The vulnerability arises from verbose syslog logging configurations that inadvertently include sensitive credentials in the logs. This means that when syslog verbose mode is enabled, authentication credentials or other sensitive information may be recorded in plaintext within log files. An attacker who gains access to these log files could extract these credentials, potentially leading to unauthorized access to the device or network. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.3 (medium severity), reflecting a network attack vector (AV:N), high attack complexity (AC:H), low privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and a scope change (S:C). The impact is primarily on confidentiality (C:H), with no direct impact on integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild as of the publication date, and no patches have been linked yet. This vulnerability is significant because industrial network devices often serve as critical infrastructure components, and exposure of credentials can facilitate lateral movement or deeper network compromise. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have network access and some level of privileges but does not require user interaction, making it a plausible risk in environments where logging verbosity is enabled for troubleshooting or monitoring purposes.

For European organizations, especially those operating in critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, transportation, manufacturing, and utilities, this vulnerability poses a notable risk. Westermo devices running WeOS are commonly deployed in industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) networks across Europe. Exposure of sensitive credentials through logs can lead to unauthorized access to network devices, enabling attackers to manipulate network traffic, disrupt communications, or pivot to other critical systems. This can result in data breaches, operational disruptions, or sabotage. Given the increasing regulatory focus on cybersecurity in Europe, including NIS2 Directive requirements for critical infrastructure protection, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to compliance violations and reputational damage. The medium CVSS score indicates a moderate but actionable risk, particularly in environments where verbose logging is enabled and log files are insufficiently protected or monitored.

Organizations should immediately audit their Westermo WeOS devices to determine if version 5.24.0 is in use and whether verbose syslog logging is enabled. Specific mitigation steps include: 1) Disable verbose syslog logging or configure logging to exclude sensitive information such as credentials. 2) Restrict access to log files by enforcing strict file permissions and network segmentation to limit who can retrieve logs. 3) Implement secure log management practices, including encryption of log data at rest and in transit. 4) Monitor logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to retrieve sensitive information. 5) Apply network-level controls such as firewall rules and access control lists (ACLs) to limit network access to management interfaces. 6) Engage with Westermo support for any available patches or updates and plan for timely deployment once released. 7) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on OT/ICS environments to detect potential exploitation attempts. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific logging configuration and access controls relevant to this vulnerability.