ABB MConfig Vulnerability CVE-2025-9970: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information
Executive Summary
In October 2025, ABB disclosed a vulnerability (CVE-2025-9970) in its MConfig software versions up to 1.4.9.21, where sensitive information was stored in cleartext within memory. This flaw could allow attackers with local access to extract credentials, potentially compromising system integrity. ABB released version 1.4.9.22 to address this issue. This incident underscores the critical importance of secure memory handling practices in software development, especially for applications managing sensitive data. Organizations are reminded to promptly apply security patches and review software for similar vulnerabilities to prevent unauthorized access.
Why This Matters Now
The ABB MConfig vulnerability highlights the ongoing risks associated with improper handling of sensitive information in software applications. As cyber threats continue to evolve, ensuring that software does not store sensitive data in cleartext is crucial to prevent potential breaches and maintain system security.
Attack Path Analysis
An attacker with physical access to a host machine running ABB MConfig exploits a vulnerability that stores sensitive information in cleartext memory. By extracting a memory dump, the attacker retrieves user credentials, escalating privileges to access and modify critical system configurations. The attacker then moves laterally within the network to compromise additional systems. Establishing command and control, the attacker exfiltrates sensitive data, leading to operational disruptions and potential safety hazards.
Kill Chain Progression
Initial Compromise
Description
An attacker with physical access to a host machine running ABB MConfig exploits a vulnerability that stores sensitive information in cleartext memory.
Related CVEs
CVE-2025-9970
CVSS 7.4Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in Memory vulnerability in ABB MConfig versions through 1.4.9.21 allows an attacker to extract sensitive information such as user credentials from memory dumps.
Affected Products:
ABB MConfig – <=1.4.9.21
Exploit Status:
no public exploit
MITRE ATT&CK® Techniques
OS Credential Dumping: LSASS Memory
Data from Local System
Unsecured Credentials: Credentials in Files
Valid Accounts
Obfuscated Files or Information
Potential Compliance Exposure
Mapping incident impact across multiple compliance frameworks.
PCI DSS 4.0 – Render PAN unreadable wherever it is stored
Control ID: 3.4.1
NYDFS 23 NYCRR 500 – Cybersecurity Policy
Control ID: 500.03
DORA – ICT Risk Management Framework
Control ID: Article 5
CISA ZTMM 2.0 – Data Security
Control ID: Data Pillar
NIS2 Directive – Cybersecurity Risk Management Measures
Control ID: Article 21
Sector Implications
Industry-specific impact of the vulnerabilities, including operational, regulatory, and cloud security risks.
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
ABB LVS MConfig vulnerability exposes cleartext credentials in memory dumps, threatening motor controller configurations and low-voltage switchgear operations across manufacturing facilities.
Utilities
Critical infrastructure vulnerability in ABB switchgear parameterization software could compromise electrical grid operations through exposed authentication credentials and modified component settings.
Oil/Energy/Solar/Greentech
Energy sector facilities using ABB LV switchgear face operational disruption risks from memory dump credential exposure in MConfig parameterization software.
Chemicals
Chemical processing plants utilizing ABB motor controllers vulnerable to configuration tampering through cleartext password extraction from MConfig application memory dumps.
Sources
- ABB LVS MConfighttps://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-146-06Verified
- ABB MConfig Vulnerability Advisoryhttps://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=4TZ00000006008&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=&Action=LaunchVerified
- NVD Entry for CVE-2025-9970https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-9970Verified
Frequently Asked Questions
Cloud Native Security Fabric Mitigations and ControlsCNSF
Aviatrix Zero Trust CNSF is pertinent to this incident as it could likely limit the attacker's ability to escalate privileges, move laterally, and exfiltrate data by enforcing strict segmentation and egress controls.
Control: Cloud Native Security Fabric (CNSF)
Mitigation: While Aviatrix CNSF primarily focuses on network-level controls, it could potentially limit the attacker's ability to exploit network vulnerabilities by enforcing strict segmentation and access policies.
Control: Zero Trust Segmentation
Mitigation: Aviatrix Zero Trust Segmentation could likely limit the attacker's ability to escalate privileges by enforcing strict access controls and segmenting critical systems.
Control: East-West Traffic Security
Mitigation: Aviatrix East-West Traffic Security could likely limit the attacker's ability to move laterally by enforcing strict segmentation and monitoring of internal traffic.
Control: Multicloud Visibility & Control
Mitigation: Aviatrix Multicloud Visibility & Control could likely limit the attacker's ability to establish command and control by providing centralized monitoring and control over network traffic.
Control: Egress Security & Policy Enforcement
Mitigation: Aviatrix Egress Security & Policy Enforcement could likely limit the attacker's ability to exfiltrate data by enforcing strict egress controls and monitoring outbound traffic.
By constraining the attacker's ability to escalate privileges, move laterally, establish command and control, and exfiltrate data, Aviatrix Zero Trust CNSF could likely reduce the overall impact of the attack, potentially mitigating operational disruptions and safety hazards.
Impact at a Glance
Affected Business Functions
- System Configuration Management
- Device Parameterization
Estimated downtime: N/A
Estimated loss: N/A
Potential exposure of user credentials stored in memory dumps.
Recommended Actions
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
- • Implement Zero Trust Segmentation to restrict access to critical systems and limit lateral movement.
- • Deploy East-West Traffic Security controls to monitor and prevent unauthorized internal communications.
- • Utilize Encrypted Traffic (HPE) solutions to protect sensitive data in transit and prevent data exfiltration.
- • Establish Multicloud Visibility & Control mechanisms to detect and respond to anomalous activities across environments.
- • Enforce Egress Security & Policy Enforcement to control outbound traffic and prevent unauthorized data transfers.
