CVE-2025-52549:E3 Site Supervisor Control firmware versions earlier than 2.31F01 generate a predictable root Linux password at each boot, allowing an attacker to compute the root password from known or easily obtainable parameters and gain root access.

splash
Back

Description Preview

A vulnerability in Copeland LP E3 Supervisory Control (firmware < 2.31F01) results in deterministic generation of the root Linux password on boot (CWE-522), enabling attackers to derive the root credential from known or easily fetched device parameters (CAPEC-653). Exploitation requires network access to the device interface and no prior privileges or user interaction, and has been rated Critical (CVSS 4.0 base score 9.2: AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/S:C). Successful exploitation can yield full system compromise, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device and connected systems.

Overview

Affected devices are Copeland LP E3 Supervisory Controls running firmware versions less than 2.31F01. The vulnerability manifests as predictable root password generation on each boot, which an attacker with network access to the device can reproduce using publicly available or easily obtained device parameters. Attack complexity is low, no privileges are required, and exploitation can be automated to obtain persistent root access and control over the affected device and potentially the OT network it serves.

Remediation

Update affected E3 Supervisory Controls to a fixed firmware version (upgrade to a version > 2.30F1 as provided by the vendor). If immediate upgrade is not possible, restrict access to the device management network interface (ETH 0) by placing devices on a restricted VLAN or subnet and enforcing network firewall rules so the interface is never reachable from untrusted networks. After patching, rotate root credentials and any related keys or secrets, verify device integrity and logs for unauthorized access, and apply network segmentation, monitoring, and least-privilege controls to reduce exposure.

References

  • Armis Labs — Frostbyte 10 research: https://www.armis.com/research/frostbyte10/

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction: Low
    Construction
  6. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information: Low
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing: Low
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining: Low
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration: Low
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

Let's talk!

background