Metasys: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2025-26385 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Metasys from Johnson Controls, with a CVSS 4.0 base score of 9.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.47% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 74% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Metasys you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on johnsoncontrols.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson Controls | Metasys | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Attack requirements
- PresentThe target must be in a specific state or configuration for the attack to work.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Confidentiality (vulnerable system)
- HighSerious loss of confidentiality on the vulnerable system.
- Integrity (vulnerable system)
- HighSerious loss of integrity on the vulnerable system.
- Availability (vulnerable system)
- HighSerious loss of availability on the vulnerable system.
- Confidentiality (other systems)
- HighSerious loss of confidentiality on systems beyond the vulnerable one.
- Integrity (other systems)
- HighSerious loss of integrity on systems beyond the vulnerable one.
- Availability (other systems)
- HighSerious loss of availability on systems beyond the vulnerable one.
Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X. Scored by CNA (jci.com).
Official description
Johnson Controls Metasys component listed below have Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command (Command Injection) Vulnerability . Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow remote SQL execution This issue affects * Metasys: Application and Data Server (ADS) installed with SQL Express deployed as part of the Metasys 14.1 and prior installation, * Extended Application and Data Server (ADX) installed with SQL Express deployed as part of the Metasys 14.1 installation, * LCS8500 or NAE8500 installed with SQL Express deployed as part of the Metasys installation Releases 12.0 through 14.1, * System Configuration Tool (SCT) installed with SQL Express deployed as part of the SCT installation 17.1 and prior, * Controller Configuration Tool (CCT) installed with SQL Express deployed as part of the CCT installation 17.0 and prior.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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