---
title: "Siemens RUGGEDCOM APE1808 Devices Hit by Critical XSS and Path Traversal Flaws"
short_title: "Siemens RUGGEDCOM APE1808 critical vulnerabilities"
description: "Siemens RUGGEDCOM APE1808 devices affected by four critical vulnerabilities, including XSS and path traversal. Learn mitigation steps and patch details now."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2025-01-24
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [siemens, ruggedcom, cve-2025-40891, cve-2025-40892, path-traversal, xss]
score: 0.78
cve_ids: [CVE-2025-40891, CVE-2025-40892, CVE-2025-40893, CVE-2025-40898]
---
TL;DR
Siemens has disclosed four critical vulnerabilities in its RUGGEDCOM APE1808 devices, including stored XSS and path traversal flaws. These vulnerabilities could enable attackers to execute phishing attacks, alter device configurations, or disrupt operations. Siemens is preparing patches and recommends immediate countermeasures to mitigate risks.
---
Main Content
Introduction
Siemens has issued an advisory addressing four critical vulnerabilities in its RUGGEDCOM APE1808 devices, which are widely used in critical manufacturing sectors. Discovered by Nozomi Networks, these flaws include stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and path traversal vulnerabilities, posing significant risks to industrial environments. Siemens is actively developing fixes and urges organizations to implement recommended countermeasures to safeguard their systems.
---
Key Points
- Four vulnerabilities identified in Siemens RUGGEDCOM APE1808 devices, including CVE-2025-40891, CVE-2025-40892, CVE-2025-40893, and CVE-2025-40898.
- Stored XSS flaws could enable phishing attacks, unauthorized data modifications, and disruption of device availability.
- Path traversal vulnerability (CVE-2025-40898) allows authenticated users to write arbitrary files, potentially altering device configurations.
- High-severity CVSS scores (up to 8.9) highlight the urgency of addressing these vulnerabilities.
- Siemens recommends immediate countermeasures for products without available patches.
---
Technical Details
#### Affected Products
The vulnerabilities impact the following Siemens product:
- RUGGEDCOM APE1808 Devices (all versions)
#### Vulnerability Breakdown
1. CVE-2025-40891 (Stored HTML Injection)
- CVSS Score: 4.7 (Medium)
- Vector: `CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N`
- Description: A stored HTML injection vulnerability in the Time Machine Snapshot Diff functionality allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious HTML tags into asset attributes. Exploitation requires specific user interaction, such as using the Time Machine Snapshot Diff feature and performing GUI actions.
- Impact: Enables phishing and open redirect attacks. Full XSS exploitation is mitigated by input validation and Content Security Policy (CSP).
2. CVE-2025-40892 (Stored XSS)
- CVSS Score: 8.9 (High)
- Vector: `CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:H`
- Description: A stored XSS vulnerability in the Reports functionality allows authenticated users with report privileges to inject malicious JavaScript payloads. Victims who view or import malicious reports may execute the payload in their browser context.
- Impact: Attackers can perform unauthorized actions, such as modifying application data, disrupting availability, or accessing sensitive information.
3. CVE-2025-40893 (Stored HTML Injection)
- CVSS Score: 6.1 (Medium)
- Vector: `CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N`
- Description: A stored HTML injection vulnerability in the Asset List functionality allows unauthenticated attackers to inject HTML tags into asset attributes via crafted network packets. When victims view affected assets, the injected HTML renders in their browser.
- Impact: Enables phishing and open redirect attacks. Full XSS exploitation is prevented by input validation and CSP.
4. CVE-2025-40898 (Path Traversal)
- CVSS Score: 8.1 (High)
- Vector: `CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H`
- Description: A path traversal vulnerability in the Import Arc data archive functionality allows authenticated users to write arbitrary files to arbitrary paths. This could alter device configurations or disrupt availability.
- Impact: Attackers can modify device settings, leading to potential operational disruptions.
---
Impact Assessment
The vulnerabilities in Siemens RUGGEDCOM APE1808 devices pose severe risks to critical manufacturing sectors, including:
- Phishing Attacks: Exploiting XSS vulnerabilities to trick users into revealing sensitive information or performing unintended actions.
- Unauthorized Data Modifications: Attackers could alter application data or device configurations, leading to operational disruptions.
- Device Compromise: Path traversal vulnerabilities could enable attackers to write arbitrary files, potentially compromising device integrity and availability.
- Global Impact: These devices are deployed worldwide, increasing the potential for widespread exploitation.
---
Mitigation Steps
Siemens has outlined the following recommendations to mitigate the risks associated with these vulnerabilities:
1. Contact Siemens Support
- Reach out to Siemens customer support to obtain patch and update information for affected devices.
2. Network Protection
- Restrict network access to RUGGEDCOM APE1808 devices using firewalls, VPNs, and segmentation.
- Isolate control system networks from business networks to minimize exposure.
3. Operational Guidelines
- Follow Siemens' [Operational Guidelines for Industrial Security](https://www.siemens.com/cert/operational-guidelines-industrial-security) to configure devices in a protected IT environment.
- Implement defense-in-depth strategies to enhance security posture.
4. Monitor for Malicious Activity
- Regularly monitor systems for signs of exploitation or unauthorized access.
- Report suspicious activity to CISA or Siemens ProductCERT for further investigation.
5. User Awareness
- Train users to recognize phishing attempts and avoid interacting with suspicious reports or assets.
---
Conclusion
The discovery of four critical vulnerabilities in Siemens RUGGEDCOM APE1808 devices underscores the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures in industrial environments. Organizations must act swiftly to implement Siemens' recommended countermeasures and apply patches as they become available. By securing network access, isolating critical systems, and monitoring for threats, businesses can mitigate the risks posed by these vulnerabilities and protect their operations from potential attacks.
For further assistance, contact Siemens ProductCERT or visit their [advisory page](https://www.siemens.com/cert/advisories).
---
References
[^1]: Nozomi Networks. "[Vulnerabilities in Nozomi Guardian/CMC Affecting Siemens Industrial Products](https://github.com/cisagov/CSAF/blob/develop/csaf_files/OT/white/2026/icsa-26-015-07.json)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^2]: CISA. "[ICS Advisory (ICSA-26-015-07) - Siemens RUGGEDCOM APE1808 Devices](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-015-07)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^3]: Siemens ProductCERT. "[SSA-827968: Vulnerabilities in RUGGEDCOM APE1808 Devices](https://www.siemens.com/cert/advisories)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.