Understanding the Surge in Erlang/OTP SSH RCE Exploits and Their Impact on OT Firewalls
In recent cybersecurity news, researchers have identified a significant increase in Remote Code Execution (RCE) exploits targeting a critical vulnerability in Erlang/OTP's SSH implementation. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-32433, has a CVSS score of 10.0, indicating its severity. The exploits primarily affect operational technology (OT) firewalls, with approximately 70% of detections reported in this domain. To understand the implications of this vulnerability and how it operates, it’s essential to delve into the background of Erlang/OTP, the nature of the vulnerability, and the mechanisms of its exploitation.
The Role of Erlang/OTP in Telecommunications
Erlang is a programming language and runtime system designed for building scalable and fault-tolerant applications, particularly in telecommunications. The Open Telecom Platform (OTP) enhances Erlang by providing a set of libraries and design principles for building robust applications. One of the critical components of OTP is its SSH (Secure Shell) implementation, which facilitates secure remote access to servers and devices.
SSH is widely used in various environments, including cloud computing, network management, and, crucially, operational technology (OT) environments. OT networks control physical devices and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.
The Vulnerability: CVE-2025-32433
CVE-2025-32433 is a missing authentication vulnerability in the SSH implementation of Erlang/OTP. This flaw allows an attacker to bypass authentication mechanisms, leading to unauthorized access to systems. Once an attacker gains access, they can execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to severe consequences such as data breaches, system outages, or manipulation of critical infrastructure.
The fact that this vulnerability has a CVSS score of 10.0 categorizes it as critical, indicating that it poses an extreme risk to affected systems. The discovery of active exploitation of this vulnerability in the wild underscores the urgency for organizations to patch their systems and implement robust security measures.
How the Exploit Works
Exploitation of CVE-2025-32433 typically involves several steps. Initially, an attacker scans the internet for devices running vulnerable versions of Erlang/OTP with SSH enabled. Once identified, the attacker can send specially crafted packets that exploit the missing authentication check. This allows them to gain unauthorized access to the system.
In practice, the attacker can execute commands remotely, manipulate configurations, or deploy malware within the network. For OT networks, this could mean controlling industrial equipment or even shutting down critical services, which can have catastrophic consequences.
The Importance of Protecting OT Firewalls
Given that 70% of the detected attacks target OT firewalls, securing these devices is paramount. Firewalls serve as the first line of defense against unwanted access and cyber threats. Organizations must ensure that their firewalls are configured correctly, using the latest security rules, and that they are updated regularly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Additionally, implementing network segmentation can help isolate OT networks from general IT traffic, reducing the attack surface. Monitoring and logging access attempts can also help identify potential breaches early, allowing for swift responses.
Conclusion
The surge in exploits targeting the CVE-2025-32433 vulnerability in Erlang/OTP's SSH highlights a critical security concern for organizations utilizing this technology, especially in OT environments. As malicious actors continue to evolve their tactics, it is essential for organizations to prioritize vulnerability management, conduct regular security assessments, and implement comprehensive security protocols to safeguard their networks. By staying informed and proactive, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to such devastating cyberattacks.
