CVE-2025-63361 is a vulnerability identified in the Waveshare RS232/485 TO WIFI ETH (B) Serial to Ethernet/Wi-Fi Gateway, specifically in Firmware version 3.1.1.0 with hardware version 4.3.2.1 and webpage version V7.04T.07.002880.0301. The vulnerability stems from the device rendering the administrator password in plaintext within its web management interface. This exposure violates secure credential handling best practices (CWE-522: Insufficiently Protected Credentials), allowing an attacker who gains access to the web interface to view the administrator password directly. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates the attack vector is network-based (AV:N), with low attack complexity (AC:L), but requires privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R). The impact is primarily on confidentiality (C:H), with no direct effect on integrity or availability. This means that while the device’s operation is not disrupted, unauthorized disclosure of credentials could lead to further compromise. No patches or firmware updates are currently listed, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability is significant in environments where these gateways are deployed to bridge serial devices to Ethernet or Wi-Fi networks, often in industrial control systems or IoT setups. Attackers with network access and some user privileges could leverage this flaw to escalate privileges or move laterally within a network by capturing administrator credentials in plaintext from the web interface.

For European organizations, particularly those in industrial automation, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure sectors that utilize Waveshare RS232/485 to Ethernet/Wi-Fi gateways, this vulnerability poses a risk of credential compromise. Exposure of the administrator password can lead to unauthorized configuration changes, network reconnaissance, or pivoting attacks within internal networks. Given the device’s role as a bridge between serial and network communications, compromise could facilitate attacks on connected serial devices or broader network segments. Confidentiality breaches may result in intellectual property theft or operational disruption if attackers gain control over device settings. While the vulnerability does not directly affect device availability or integrity, the indirect consequences of unauthorized access could be severe. The requirement for some privileges and user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with weak network segmentation or insufficient access controls.

European organizations should implement strict network segmentation to isolate management interfaces of Waveshare gateways from general network access, limiting exposure to trusted administrators only. Employ strong authentication mechanisms and consider multi-factor authentication if supported by the device or surrounding infrastructure. Monitor network traffic and device logs for unusual access patterns or repeated login attempts. Since no official patches are currently available, organizations should engage with Waveshare support to obtain firmware updates or advisories. Where possible, replace vulnerable devices with updated models or alternative solutions that follow secure credential handling practices. Additionally, disable or restrict web interface access over untrusted networks and use VPNs or secure tunnels for remote management. Conduct regular security audits of IoT and industrial devices to identify similar credential exposure risks.