Executive Summary
The recent advisories have spotlighted a vulnerability in the AutomationDirect C-more EA9 HMI, a popular human-machine interface used in industrial environments. This vulnerability, identified as a classic buffer overflow, has been assigned the CVE ID CVE-2025-0960, with a CVSS v4 rating of 9.3, indicating high severity. The exploitability of this oversight is concerning due to its remote attack potential and low complexity barrier. This vulnerability chiefly threatens sectors reliant on these interfaces for critical manufacturing processes.Risk Evaluation
Buffer overflows occur when excess data overflows into adjacent memory, potentially allowing malicious code execution or causing a denial-of-service. The implications here are stark: an attacker could seize control over industrial systems, causing interruptions or introducing covert system manipulations. This vulnerability affects several models in the C-more EA9 HMI series with versions 6.79 and prior.Technical Details
Affected Products
The products identified as susceptible to this vulnerability are:- C-more EA9 HMI models EA9-T6CL, EA9-T7CL (-R), EA9-T8CL, EA9-T10CL (-R), EA9-T12CL, and EA9-T15CL, among others.
Vulnerability Overview
The AutomationDirect C-more EA9 series has a function where boundary checks can be bypassed. An attacker can use this flaw to inflict unauthorized remote code execution. The immediate threat includes manipulating processes, shutting down production lines, or accessing sensitive data.Mitigation Strategies
AutomationDirect has introduced firmware version 6.80 to address this buffer overflow vulnerability. Users are encouraged to update to this version promptly. Should immediate updates not be feasible, several interim protective measures have been recommended:- Isolate the HMI Workstation: Disconnect from unnecessary networks to minimize exposure.
- Access Control: Only allow trusted personnel to interact physically or logically with the HMI units.
- Implement Whitelisting: Restrict execution exclusively to vetted and required software.
- Endpoint Security: Utilize antivirus solutions and EDR tools to detect and mitigate potential threats.
CISA Recommendations
CISA emphasizes the necessity of conducting thorough risk assessments before implementing these measures. When remote access is deemed essential, use secure mediums such as VPNs, while bearing in mind their vulnerabilities. CISA also provides comprehensive cybersecurity practices specifically for industrial control systems.Conclusion
The vulnerability in the AutomationDirect C-more EA9 HMI underscores a critical cybersecurity challenge, particularly for industries dependent on this technology. Immediate adoption of updates and adherence to mitigation measures will be pivotal in safeguarding systems against potential exploitation. The convergence of IT and OT demands that such security advisories be absorbed with gravity to prevent a ripple effect on broader industrial operations. Therefore, either patch swiftly or implement the recommended interim controls to ensure system resilience.To further enhance your understanding and implement these changes, liaise with your IT security teams and consult external cybersecurity services if necessary. Stay vigilant—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in the digital world.
Source: CISA https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-035-08(https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-035-08%5B/HEADING)
