CVE-2025-7773 is a high-severity security vulnerability affecting the Rockwell Automation 5032-CFGB16M12P5DR, specifically the 5032 16pt Digital Configurable module’s embedded web server. The vulnerability arises from an incorrect authorization mechanism (CWE-863) related to the session management process. The web server generates session numbers that increment predictably, with the increment interval correlating to the last two consecutive sign-in session intervals. This predictable session number generation allows an attacker to potentially guess or predict valid session identifiers without any authentication or user interaction. As a result, an attacker could hijack active sessions or gain unauthorized access to the device’s web interface. The CVSS 4.0 base score of 8.8 reflects the vulnerability’s network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and high impact on availability (VA:H), with low to limited impact on confidentiality and integrity. The vulnerability affects version 1.011 of the product, and no patches or known exploits in the wild have been reported yet. The flaw compromises the integrity of the authorization process, potentially allowing unauthorized control or manipulation of the industrial control system module, which could disrupt industrial processes or cause safety risks.

For European organizations, particularly those in critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities that rely on Rockwell Automation products, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to industrial control modules, enabling attackers to disrupt operations, cause equipment malfunctions, or manipulate process controls. This could result in operational downtime, safety hazards, financial losses, and reputational damage. Given the high availability impact, attacks could cause denial of service or loss of control over essential industrial processes. The lack of required authentication and user interaction makes exploitation feasible remotely over the network, increasing the threat surface. European organizations with interconnected industrial networks or insufficient network segmentation are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, regulatory compliance frameworks such as NIS2 and GDPR emphasize the protection of critical infrastructure and personal data, so exploitation could also lead to regulatory penalties.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Immediately assess and inventory all Rockwell Automation 5032-CFGB16M12P5DR modules running version 1.011 to identify affected devices. 2) Apply any available firmware updates or patches from Rockwell Automation as soon as they are released; if no patch is currently available, engage with the vendor for timelines and interim mitigations. 3) Implement strict network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general IT networks and restrict access to the affected modules’ web interfaces to trusted management networks only. 4) Deploy network-level access controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems configured to monitor and block suspicious session-related traffic patterns. 5) Use VPNs or secure tunnels for remote access to the devices to add an additional authentication layer. 6) Monitor logs and network traffic for anomalous session activity indicative of session prediction or hijacking attempts. 7) Consider implementing compensating controls such as multi-factor authentication on management interfaces if supported. 8) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on session management and authorization mechanisms within industrial control systems.