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CVE-2025-14848 Advantech CVE debrief

A directory traversal vulnerability in Advantech WebAccess/SCADA allows authenticated attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files on affected systems. The vulnerability, published December 18, 2025, carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 4.3 (MEDIUM). The issue stems from improper path validation that permits absolute directory traversal, enabling file existence enumeration rather than full content disclosure. Advantech has released version 9.2.2 to address this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize patching, particularly for internet-facing SCADA installations where lateral movement and further reconnaissance could follow initial file enumeration.

Vendor
Advantech
Product
WebAccess/SCADA
CVSS
MEDIUM 4.3
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2025-12-18
Original CVE updated
2025-12-18
Advisory published
2025-12-18
Advisory updated
2025-12-18

Who should care

Industrial control system operators, critical infrastructure security teams, OT network defenders, and organizations running Advantech WebAccess/SCADA in manufacturing, energy, water treatment, or building automation environments

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in Advantech WebAccess/SCADA's handling of file paths, where insufficient validation allows absolute directory traversal sequences. An attacker with low privileges can manipulate file path parameters to probe for file existence outside intended directories. This information disclosure primitive can support reconnaissance for further attacks, though the CVSS scoring indicates no integrity or availability impact. The attack requires network access and valid credentials but no user interaction, making it suitable for automated scanning once authentication is obtained.

Defensive priority

medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Upgrade to Advantech WebAccess/SCADA version 9.2.2 or later
  • Restrict network access to SCADA systems using firewall rules and network segmentation
  • Monitor for anomalous file access patterns in WebAccess/SCADA logs
  • Apply principle of least privilege to SCADA user accounts
  • Review and harden WebAccess/SCADA configuration against path traversal patterns

Evidence notes

CISA ICS advisory ICSA-25-352-06 confirms the vulnerability affects WebAccess/SCADA and identifies version 9.2.2 as the remediation. The CVSS vector indicates network attack vector with low attack complexity and low privileges required, suggesting exploitation is straightforward for authenticated attackers.

Official resources

2025-12-18