AXC F 1152: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2025-41666 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in AXC F 1152 from Phoenix Contact, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 2025.0.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating AXC F 1152 to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.62% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 50% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update AXC F 1152 to 2025.0.2 or a later version.
- Update AXC F 2152 to 2025.0.2 or a later version.
- Update AXC F 3152 to 2025.0.2 or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHOENIX CONTACT | AXC F 1152 | before 2025.0.2 | 2025.0.2 |
| PHOENIX CONTACT | AXC F 2152 | before 2025.0.2 | 2025.0.2 |
| PHOENIX CONTACT | AXC F 3152 | before 2025.0.2 | 2025.0.2 |
| PHOENIX CONTACT | BPC 9102S | before 2025.0.2 | 2025.0.2 |
| PHOENIX CONTACT | RFC 4072S | before 2025.0.2 | 2025.0.2 |
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.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (cert.vde.com).
Official description
A low privileged remote attacker with file access can replace a critical file used by the watchdog to get read, write and execute access to any file on the device after the watchdog has been initialized.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in AXC F 1152
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 8.0 High severity
Git Link Following Exploited
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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