Critical Rockwell Verve Asset Manager Vulnerability (CVE-2025-1449) | Urgent Security Alert

In March 2025, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an advisory concerning a critical vulnerability in Rockwell Automation's Verve Asset Manager. This flaw, identified as CVE-2025-1449, poses significant risks to organizations utilizing this software, particularly within the critical manufacturing sector.

Overview of the Vulnerability​

The vulnerability arises from improper validation of input within the administrative web interface of Verve Asset Manager's Legacy Active Directory Interface (ADI) feature. Despite being deprecated since version 1.36, this component remains present in versions up to and including 1.39. The flaw allows administrators to modify variables without adequate sanitization, potentially enabling attackers with administrative access to execute arbitrary commands within the service's container context.
CVE-2025-1449 has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.1 and a CVSS v4 base score of 8.9, indicating a high severity level. The CVSS vector strings are as follows:

• CVSS v3.1: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
• CVSS v4: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT/PR:H/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H

Risk Evaluation​

Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker with administrative privileges to execute arbitrary commands within the container running the service. This capability poses a significant threat to data integrity, system availability, and overall operational security. Given the widespread deployment of Verve Asset Manager in critical manufacturing infrastructures worldwide, the potential impact is substantial.

Technical Details​

Affected Products​

Rockwell Automation has identified that Verve Asset Manager versions 1.39 and prior are susceptible to this vulnerability. Organizations utilizing these versions should assess their exposure and take immediate action.

Vulnerability Overview​

The core issue lies in the insufficient sanitization of variables within the administrative web interface of the Legacy ADI feature. This oversight allows for the execution of arbitrary commands by users with administrative access, compromising the security of the containerized environment.

Mitigation Measures​

To address this vulnerability, Rockwell Automation has released Verve Asset Manager version 1.40, which rectifies the identified issue. Organizations are strongly encouraged to upgrade to this version to mitigate the risk.
For those unable to upgrade immediately, implementing the following security best practices is advisable:

• Network Exposure Minimization: Ensure that control system devices and systems are not accessible from the internet.
• Network Segmentation: Place control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls, isolating them from business networks.
• Secure Remote Access: When remote access is necessary, utilize secure methods such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Be aware that VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the latest versions. Remember, a VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.

CISA emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough impact analyses and risk assessments before deploying defensive measures. Additional resources and best practices are available on CISA's ICS webpage.

Broader Implications​

This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of rigorous input validation and the need for continuous security assessments, especially in industrial control systems. The presence of deprecated features like the Legacy ADI in active software versions highlights the necessity for organizations to regularly review and update their systems, ensuring that obsolete components do not become security liabilities.
Furthermore, the reliance on containerized environments necessitates a comprehensive understanding of container security. Organizations must ensure that all components within their containers are secure and that administrative interfaces are safeguarded against potential exploitation.

Conclusion​

The discovery of CVE-2025-1449 in Rockwell Automation's Verve Asset Manager serves as a stark reminder of the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the persistent threats facing industrial control systems. Organizations must remain vigilant, proactively addressing vulnerabilities, and implementing robust security measures to protect their critical infrastructures.
By promptly upgrading to the corrected software version and adhering to recommended security practices, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.

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Source: www.cisa.gov Rockwell Automation Verve Asset Manager | CISA