CVE-2022-25249
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-25249 is a directory traversal vulnerability in Axeda agent and Axeda Desktop Server for Windows that allows remote unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files from the file system. This affects all versions of Axeda agent except v6.9.2 and v6.9.3, and all versions of Axeda Desktop Server for Windows. Organizations using these products for industrial control system (ICS) management are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Axeda agent
- Axeda Desktop Server for Windows
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could read sensitive configuration files, credentials, or proprietary data, potentially enabling further attacks on industrial control systems.
Likely Case
Unauthenticated attackers reading system files, configuration data, or other sensitive information accessible via the web server.
If Mitigated
Limited file access restricted by web server permissions and file system ACLs.
🎯 Exploit Status
Directory traversal vulnerabilities are typically easy to exploit once the vulnerable endpoint is identified. No authentication required.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Axeda agent v6.9.2 and v6.9.3 are not vulnerable. For other versions, consult vendor advisories.
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS363561
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review PTC advisory CS363561. 2. Upgrade to non-vulnerable versions. 3. Apply any available patches. 4. Restart affected services. 5. Verify the fix.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allRestrict access to Axeda agent and Desktop Server ports to only trusted networks
Use firewall rules to block external access to Axeda services
Web Server Configuration Hardening
windowsConfigure web server to reject directory traversal attempts
Configure web server to sanitize file path inputs
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate Axeda systems from untrusted networks
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if running vulnerable versions of Axeda agent or Axeda Desktop Server for Windows. Test for directory traversal by attempting to access files outside web root.Check Version:
Check Axeda agent/Desktop Server version through administration interface or configuration filesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is not vulnerable (Axeda agent v6.9.2/v6.9.3 or patched). Test that directory traversal attempts are blocked.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed attempts to access files with ../ patterns
- Unusual file access patterns from external IPs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing ../ patterns to Axeda service ports
- Unusual file downloads from Axeda services
SIEM Query:
source="axeda" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*..\\*")