LT500E: Use of Hard-coded Credentials
CVE-2025-9725 is a high-severity use of hard-coded credentials vulnerability in LT500E from Cudy, 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. Affected LT500E versions: 2.3.0; 2.3.1; 2.3.2, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.37% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Lt500e Firmware to 2.3.13 or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cudy | LT500E | 2.3.0; 2.3.1; 2.3.2; 2.3.3; 2.3.4; 2.3.5; 2.3.6; 2.3.7; and 5 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cudy | Lt500e Firmware | before 2.3.13 | 2.3.13 |
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 NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 1.1 | Low | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 2.5 | Low | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 1.0 | Low | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A vulnerability was identified in Cudy LT500E up to 2.3.12. Affected is an unknown function of the file /squashfs-root/etc/shadow of the component Web Interface. The manipulation leads to use of hard-coded password. The attack must be carried out locally. The attack's complexity is rated as high. The exploitability is told to be difficult. The exploit is publicly available and might be used. Upgrading to version 2.3.13 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The vendor explains: "[T]he firmware does store a default password of 'admin'. This password has been deprecated since LT500E firmware version 2.3.13 and is no longer used. The LT500E does not have an administrator password set by default; a new password (at least 8 characters ) must be manually created upon first login the web management page."
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Hard-coded Credentials
The product contains hard-coded credentials, such as a password or cryptographic key.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- For outbound authentication: store passwords, keys, and other credentials outside of the code in a strongly-protected, encrypted configuration file or database that is protected from access by all outsiders, including other local users on the same system. Properly protect the key (CWE-320). If you cannot use encryption to protect the file, then make sure that the permissions are as restrictive as possible. In Windows environments, the Encrypted File System (EFS) may provide some protection.
- For inbound authentication: Rather than hard-code a default username and password, key, or other authentication credentials for first time logins, utilize a first login mode that requires the user to enter a unique strong password or key.
- If the product must contain hard-coded credentials or they cannot be removed, perform access control checks and limit which entities can access the feature that requires the hard-coded credentials. For example, a feature might only be enabled through the system console instead of through a network connection.
More Use of Hard-coded Credentials vulnerabilities (CWE-798)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?id.322014Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vuldb.com/?submit.639346Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/XXRicardo/iot-cve/blob/main/CUDY/LT500E-R42-2.3.13.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory
- github.com/XXRicardo/iot-cve/blob/main/CUDY/LT500E-R42-2.3.13.md#steps-to-reproduceExploit, Third Party Advisory
Other references
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.322014Permissions Required, VDB Entry
Recent Use of Hard-coded Credentials vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 8.7 High severity
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