Streamlining Asset Management with Rockwell Automation Verve
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The recent identification of a significant vulnerability in Rockwell Automation’s Verve Asset Manager has raised alarms within the cybersecurity community. With a CVSS v4 score of 8.9, this vulnerability is classified as highly critical, particularly due to its remote exploitability and low attack complexity. The flaw, stemming from improper validation of specified types of input, could allow an attacker with administrative access to execute arbitrary commands within the service’s container. This report delves into the implications of this vulnerability, the affected products, and the necessary mitigations to safeguard against potential exploitation.
2. RISK EVALUATION
The risk associated with this vulnerability is substantial. If successfully exploited, an attacker could gain administrative control over the Verve Asset Manager, leading to unauthorized command execution. This could compromise the integrity and availability of critical manufacturing systems, potentially resulting in operational disruptions, data breaches, or even safety incidents. The implications extend beyond immediate operational concerns, as such vulnerabilities can erode trust in industrial automation systems and lead to significant financial losses.
3. TECHNICAL DETAILS
3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS
Rockwell Automation has confirmed that the following versions of Verve Asset Manager are vulnerable:
- Verve Asset Manager: Versions 1.39 and prior
3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW
3.2.1 IMPROPER VALIDATION OF SPECIFIED TYPE OF INPUT CWE-1287
The vulnerability arises from insufficient sanitization of variables within the administrative web interface of Verve’s Legacy Active Directory Interface (ADI), which has been deprecated since version 1.36. This oversight allows users to manipulate variables without adequate checks, creating an opportunity for threat actors to execute arbitrary commands. The vulnerability has been cataloged under CVE-2025-1449, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.1 and a CVSS v4 score of 8.9, indicating a critical level of risk.
3.3 BACKGROUND
- CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing
- COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
- COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: United States
3.4 RESEARCHER
Rockwell Automation proactively reported this vulnerability to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), demonstrating a commitment to transparency and security within the industrial automation sector.
4. MITIGATIONS
In response to this vulnerability, Rockwell Automation has released a corrected version, 1.40, which addresses the identified issues. Users of the affected software who cannot upgrade are advised to implement security best practices to mitigate risks. CISA has outlined several defensive measures to minimize the likelihood of exploitation:
- Minimize network exposure: Ensure that control system devices are not accessible from the Internet.
- Isolate control systems: Place control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls, separating them from business networks.
- Secure remote access: When remote access is necessary, utilize secure methods such as virtual private networks (VPNs), while acknowledging that VPNs also require regular updates and security assessments.
Organizations are encouraged to conduct thorough impact analyses and risk assessments before implementing defensive measures. CISA also provides a wealth of resources on recommended practices for securing industrial control systems, which can be found on their ICS webpage.
Furthermore, organizations should remain vigilant against social engineering attacks, which can exploit human vulnerabilities. CISA recommends the following precautions:
- Avoid unsolicited emails: Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown sources.
- Educate staff: Refer to CISA’s resources on recognizing and avoiding email scams and social engineering attacks.
As of now, there have been no reported public exploitations specifically targeting this vulnerability, but organizations should remain proactive in their cybersecurity efforts.
5. UPDATE HISTORY
- March 25, 2025: Initial Publication
CONCLUSION
The vulnerability in Rockwell Automation’s Verve Asset Manager underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in industrial environments. As organizations increasingly rely on automation and digital solutions, the potential risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-1449 become more pronounced. By prioritizing timely updates, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, organizations can better protect their assets and maintain operational integrity in an ever-evolving threat landscape.