CVE-2025-65826 is a critical security vulnerability identified in a mobile application that improperly stores network credentials used during its development. Specifically, the application contains embedded Wi-Fi network SSID and password information within its firmware or application files, which can be extracted by an attacker with access to the application package or device storage. This exposure violates secure credential storage best practices (CWE-312). If an attacker retrieves these credentials and physically locates the corresponding Wi-Fi network, they can gain unauthorized network access, potentially compromising internal systems connected to that network. Furthermore, the vulnerability allows an attacker in close physical proximity during the device's initial setup phase to force the device to auto-connect to a rogue access point by configuring it to use the same SSID and password found in the firmware. This could enable man-in-the-middle attacks, data interception, or further network intrusion. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8, indicating critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patches or known exploits are currently reported, but the risk remains significant due to the ease of exploitation and potential impact. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure credential management and physical security during device provisioning.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences including unauthorized access to corporate or vendor Wi-Fi networks, enabling attackers to infiltrate internal networks, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt services. The ability to force devices to connect to attacker-controlled access points can facilitate man-in-the-middle attacks, credential theft, and lateral movement within networks. Organizations in sectors with high reliance on secure wireless communications—such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure—face elevated risks. The exposure of development network credentials also raises concerns about supply chain security and vendor trustworthiness. Additionally, physical proximity requirements for some attack vectors mean that attackers could exploit this vulnerability in environments with less stringent physical security controls, such as public or semi-public spaces. The overall impact includes potential data breaches, operational disruption, reputational damage, and regulatory non-compliance under frameworks like GDPR.

To mitigate CVE-2025-65826, organizations and vendors should immediately audit mobile applications and firmware for embedded credentials and remove any hardcoded network information. Implement secure credential storage mechanisms such as encrypted keychains or secure elements rather than plaintext storage. Apply firmware or application updates that eliminate this vulnerability once available. Enforce strict physical security controls during device provisioning to prevent unauthorized proximity attacks, including controlled access to setup areas and device handling procedures. Network segmentation should be employed to isolate development or vendor networks from production environments. Use network access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized connections. Additionally, consider implementing certificate-based authentication or WPA3 Enterprise for Wi-Fi networks to reduce reliance on shared credentials. Vendors should adopt secure development lifecycle practices to prevent credential leakage in future releases. Finally, conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on wireless network security and device provisioning processes.