CVE-2025-54497 is a high-severity vulnerability (CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource) affecting the Cognex In-Sight 2000 series, specifically version 5.x of the In-Sight Explorer software and In-Sight Camera Firmware. The vulnerability arises from the exposure of a telnet-based management service on port 23, which is used for critical device operations such as firmware upgrades and device reboots. Although these operations require authentication, the vulnerability allows an authenticated user with protected privileges to invoke the SetSerialPort functionality improperly. This function enables modification of critical device properties, including serial interface settings, which contradicts the intended security model described in the user manual. The vulnerability does not allow unauthenticated access but exploits insufficient permission checks within the authenticated user context. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting a network attack vector with low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and resulting in no confidentiality impact but high integrity and availability impacts. The vulnerability could allow an attacker with protected user privileges to disrupt device operations, potentially causing denial of service or manipulation of device communication interfaces, which may lead to further exploitation or operational disruption in industrial environments where these devices are deployed.

For European organizations, especially those in manufacturing, industrial automation, and logistics sectors that rely on Cognex In-Sight 2000 series devices for machine vision and quality control, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized modification of device settings, causing operational disruptions such as device reboots or communication failures. This can result in production downtime, compromised quality assurance processes, and potential safety hazards. Since these devices often integrate into critical industrial control systems, the integrity and availability impacts could cascade, affecting broader operational technology (OT) environments. Additionally, the lack of confidentiality impact reduces the risk of data leakage but does not mitigate the operational risks. European organizations with complex supply chains and automated production lines could face financial losses and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited. The requirement for authenticated access limits the attack surface but insider threats or compromised credentials could facilitate exploitation.

1. Restrict network access to port 23 (telnet) on Cognex In-Sight 2000 series devices using network segmentation and firewall rules, allowing only trusted management hosts to connect. 2. Enforce strong authentication policies and credential management to prevent unauthorized access by limiting the risk of credential compromise. 3. Monitor device logs and network traffic for unusual telnet activity or unauthorized attempts to invoke SetSerialPort or other management commands. 4. Where possible, disable telnet services in favor of more secure management protocols such as SSH, or isolate telnet management interfaces on dedicated management networks. 5. Apply principle of least privilege by reviewing and restricting user roles and permissions on the devices to ensure only necessary users have protected privileges. 6. Engage with Cognex support or vendor channels to obtain patches or firmware updates addressing this vulnerability as soon as they become available. 7. Implement compensating controls such as intrusion detection systems (IDS) tailored to detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. 8. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing on OT environments to identify and remediate similar permission and access control weaknesses.