---
title: "Critical RCE Vulnerability in Hitachi Energy Ellipse: CVE-2025-10492 Explained"
short_title: "Critical RCE flaw in Hitachi Energy Ellipse"
description: "Hitachi Energy Ellipse versions ≤9.0.50 vulnerable to remote code execution via CVE-2025-10492. Learn mitigation steps and protect critical infrastructure now."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2024-02-20
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [hitachi-energy, cve-2025-10492, rce, deserialization, critical-infrastructure]
score: 0.92
cve_ids: [CVE-2025-10492]
---
TL;DR
Hitachi Energy has disclosed a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability (CVE-2025-10492) in its Ellipse product, affecting versions 9.0.50 and prior. The flaw stems from a Java deserialization issue in the JasperReports library, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. Immediate mitigation steps, such as restricting custom report loading, are urged to protect critical manufacturing infrastructure worldwide.
---
Main Content
Introduction
Critical infrastructure sectors, particularly manufacturing, rely on industrial control systems (ICS) to maintain operations. A newly disclosed vulnerability in Hitachi Energy’s Ellipse software—a widely deployed solution in these sectors—poses a severe risk. CVE-2025-10492, a deserialization of untrusted data flaw, enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. With a CVSS score of 9.8 (Critical), this vulnerability demands immediate attention from organizations using affected versions.
---
Key Points
- Vulnerability Impact: Remote code execution (RCE) via deserialization of untrusted data in the JasperReports library.
- Affected Versions: Hitachi Energy Ellipse versions 9.0.50 and prior.
- CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical), indicating severe risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Deployment Scope: Global, with a focus on critical manufacturing sectors.
- Mitigation: Restrict loading of external custom reports and allow only trusted reports generated by administrators.
---
Technical Details
#### Vulnerability Overview
CVE-2025-10492 exploits a Java deserialization vulnerability in the Jaspersoft Library, a third-party component used by Hitachi Energy Ellipse for generating custom reports. Deserialization flaws occur when an application processes maliciously crafted data, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. In this case, the vulnerability enables remote code execution (RCE), granting attackers full control over affected systems.
#### Attack Vector
The vulnerability is triggered when Ellipse processes untrusted JasperReports files. Attackers can craft malicious reports and trick users into loading them, leading to:
- Arbitrary code execution on the target system.
- Unauthorized access to sensitive data or control functions.
- Disruption of critical operations in manufacturing environments.
#### Affected Systems
- Product: Hitachi Energy Ellipse
- Versions: 9.0.50 and prior
- Component: JasperReports library (third-party)
- CWE Classification: [CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/502.html)
---
Impact Assessment
#### Potential Consequences
1. Operational Disruption: Attackers could disrupt manufacturing processes, leading to downtime, financial losses, and safety risks.
2. Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive industrial data, including proprietary manufacturing processes or employee information.
3. Lateral Movement: Exploitation of Ellipse systems could serve as a gateway for deeper network infiltration, compromising additional critical infrastructure components.
4. Compliance Violations: Organizations failing to address this vulnerability may face regulatory penalties, particularly in sectors governed by strict cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST, IEC 62443).
#### Targeted Sectors
- Critical Manufacturing: Ellipse is widely used in manufacturing environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for industries reliant on industrial control systems.
- Global Reach: Deployed worldwide, with Hitachi Energy’s headquarters in Switzerland.
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Mitigation Steps
Hitachi Energy has provided the following recommendations to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-10492:
#### Immediate Actions
1. Restrict Custom Reports: Disable the loading of external custom reports created by end users. Only allow trusted JasperReports files generated by system administrators.
2. Network Segmentation: Isolate Ellipse systems from business networks and the internet to limit exposure.
3. Firewall Configuration: Implement strict firewall rules to minimize the number of exposed ports and restrict access to Ellipse systems.
4. Monitoring: Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized report uploads or unusual network traffic.
#### Long-Term Measures
- Patch Management: Apply patches or updates provided by Hitachi Energy as soon as they become available.
- User Training: Educate employees on the risks of loading untrusted files and the importance of adhering to security policies.
- Regular Audits: Conduct periodic security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities in industrial control systems.
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Recommended Security Practices
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends the following best practices to enhance the security of control systems:
- Minimize Network Exposure: Ensure control system devices are not accessible from the internet.
- Use Secure Remote Access: When remote access is required, employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and keep them updated to the latest version.
- Defense-in-Depth Strategies: Implement layered security measures to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Refer to CISA’s [Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies](https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/improving-industrial-control-systems-cybersecurity-defense-depth-strategies) for guidance.
- Incident Reporting: Report suspected malicious activity to CISA for tracking and correlation with other incidents.
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Conclusion
CVE-2025-10492 represents a critical threat to organizations using Hitachi Energy Ellipse, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The vulnerability’s potential for remote code execution underscores the urgency of applying mitigation measures, such as restricting custom report loading and isolating affected systems. As industrial control systems become increasingly targeted by cyber threats, proactive security measures—including patch management, network segmentation, and employee training—are essential to safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Organizations are urged to monitor updates from Hitachi Energy and CISA, and to implement recommended security practices to minimize risk.
---
References
[^1]: Hitachi Energy. "ICS Advisory (ICSA-26-092-03): Hitachi Energy Ellipse Vulnerability." Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). [https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-092-03](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-092-03). Retrieved 2024-02-20.
[^2]: MITRE. "CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data." MITRE Corporation. [https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/502.html](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/502.html). Retrieved 2024-02-20.
[^3]: CVE Details. "CVE-2025-10492." CVE.org. [https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-10492](https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-10492). Retrieved 2024-02-20.