Cyberdudebivash

Overview

A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-32433) has been identified in Erlang/OTP’s SSH daemon, actively exploited in Operational Technology (OT) environments such as Industrial Control Systems (ICS), SCADA networks, and IoT gateways. This flaw enables unauthenticated remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain complete control over affected systems.

Technical Breakdown

• Vulnerability Type: Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution (RCE)
• Affected Component: ssh_daemon in Erlang/OTP
• CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
• Attack Vector: Network-based, unauthenticated
• Root Cause: Insecure handling of certain SSH message parsing logic in Erlang’s ssh_transport module. Crafted packets bypass authentication checks, allowing arbitrary code injection.

Attack Chain

1. Reconnaissance:
   Adversaries scan for exposed Erlang-based SSH servers in OT networks.
2. Exploit Delivery:
   Malicious SSH payload sent to the daemon triggers an out-of-bounds memory access.
3. RCE Execution:
   Payload executes arbitrary code in the context of the Erlang VM, granting root-level access.
4. Post-Exploitation:
   • Deploy OT-specific malware for process manipulation.
   • Establish persistence with SSH backdoors.
   • Pivot into other ICS components and safety systems.

Why OT Environments Are High-Risk

• Many OT systems have poor patching cycles due to operational downtime constraints.
• Erlang/OTP is used in message brokers, telecom gateways, and industrial data pipelines, making this flaw dangerous.
• Attackers can disrupt manufacturing lines, energy grids, or transportation systems.

Detection & Mitigation

Detection:

• Monitor SSH logs for malformed handshake requests or abnormal connection attempts.
• Network IDS rules for Erlang-specific SSH packet anomalies.

Mitigation:

• Immediate patch to Erlang/OTP version containing the fix.
• Restrict SSH access to trusted IP ranges.
• Deploy network segmentation between IT and OT environments.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for SSH where possible.

Impact if Unpatched

• System Takeover: Full administrative control.
• Operational Downtime: Disruption in industrial processes.
• Safety Risks: Potential manipulation of safety systems in critical infrastructure.
• Data Breach: Theft of sensitive process data and control logic.