Critical Erlang/OTP SSH Vulnerability Puts Houston Industrial Networks at Risk

TL;DR: A critical vulnerability in Erlang/OTP SSH servers allows attackers to execute code without authentication, with 70% of attacks targeting operational technology networks. Houston businesses using industrial systems need immediate patching and network security assessment.

The cybersecurity world is facing a serious threat from CVE-2025-32433, a critical vulnerability in Erlang/Open Telecom Platform SSH servers that has already been exploited in the wild. This flaw carries a perfect CVSS score of 10.0 and allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on vulnerable systems without any authentication – essentially giving them the keys to the kingdom.

 The Vulnerability Explained

CVE-2025-32433 represents a fundamental flaw in the Erlang/OTP SSH daemon’s authentication process that creates a dangerous backdoor into critical systems. The vulnerability stems from improper state enforcement where the SSH server fails to properly validate authentication before processing certain connection protocol messages.

• SSH servers normally require successful authentication before processing command messages
• This flaw allows unauthenticated clients to send connection protocol messages with codes 80 or higher
• Attackers can bypass authentication requirements entirely through crafted SSH messages
• The vulnerability provides direct remote code execution capabilities without credentials
• Affected systems include critical infrastructure and operational technology networks

Under normal circumstances, SSH servers should only process specific command messages after successful authentication, but this vulnerability creates a direct pathway for unauthorized system access that bypasses all security controls.

(OT Network Victim Geolocation – Source: Unit 42)

  Severity Assessment

This vulnerability represents one of the most critical security threats facing industrial networks today. With its maximum CVSS score of 10.0, CVE-2025-32433 demonstrates the perfect storm of accessibility, impact, and exploitation potential that makes it extremely dangerous for organizations.

• Maximum CVSS score of 10.0 indicates critical severity level
• Affects multiple Erlang/OTP versions including all prior to OTP-27.3.3, OTP-26.2.5.11, and OTP-25.3.2.20
• Requires no user interaction for successful exploitation
• Can be exploited remotely by any attacker with network access
• Particularly dangerous due to widespread use in critical infrastructure environments
• Vulnerability impacts both IT and operational technology networks

The widespread deployment of Erlang/OTP in critical infrastructure amplifies the risk, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and potential disruption of essential services.

 How the Exploit Works

Attackers exploit CVE-2025-32433 by targeting the state management weakness in the SSH authentication process, following a straightforward but devastating attack pattern that leverages the fundamental flaw in message processing.

• Attackers scan for vulnerable Erlang/OTP SSH services on various TCP ports including 22, 830, 2022, and 2222
• Crafted SSH connection protocol messages bypass authentication requirements
• Malicious commands execute with full system privileges without valid credentials
• Reverse shell payloads create persistent backdoors for continued access
• DNS-based callbacks validate successful exploitation using stealthy techniques
• Multiple attack vectors target both IT and operational technology networks

The sophistication of observed payloads demonstrates that threat actors have quickly developed reliable exploitation techniques, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for exposed systems across all industries.

(CVE triggers by industry – Source: Unit 42)

 Attribution and Threat Actors

While the specific identity of threat actors exploiting CVE-2025-32433 remains unclear, the sophisticated targeting patterns and coordinated attack campaigns reveal actors with advanced understanding of industrial networks and operational technology environments.

• 70% of exploitation attempts specifically target operational technology firewalls
• Geographic distribution spans United States, Brazil, Japan, and European countries
• Coordinated attack timing suggests well-resourced threat actor groups
• Focus on critical infrastructure indicates strategic targeting objectives
• Attack patterns demonstrate detailed knowledge of industrial network architecture
• Persistent exploitation attempts show sustained campaign activities

The targeting precision and technical sophistication observed in these attacks indicates threat actors who understand the strategic value of compromising operational technology networks and possess the resources to execute sustained campaigns against critical infrastructure.

 Who is at Risk

Organizations across multiple sectors face significant risk from this vulnerability, with operational technology networks experiencing the highest concentration of attack activity and potential for severe business impact.

• Healthcare organizations seeing 85% of exploitation attempts targeting OT firewalls
• Manufacturing companies using Erlang/OTP for industrial control systems
• Educational institutions accounting for 72% of all observed exploitation attempts
• Agricultural companies with network-connected equipment and automation systems
• Media and entertainment firms with operational technology components
• High technology sectors with IT/OT convergence in network architecture

Energy and utilities companies should not assume safety despite lower detection rates, as the absence of observed attacks may indicate monitoring gaps rather than lack of targeting, making proactive security measures essential for all sectors.

 Remediation Strategies

Immediate action is required to protect systems from CVE-2025-32433 exploitation, with patching representing the primary defense strategy supported by comprehensive security measures for complete protection.

• Update to patched Erlang/OTP versions: OTP 27.3.3 or later, OTP 26.2.5.11 or later, OTP 25.3.2.20 or later
• Disable SSH services on systems that cannot be immediately patched
• Implement strict firewall rules limiting access to trusted sources only
• Deploy network segmentation isolating operational technology from internet exposure
• Establish comprehensive monitoring for signs of compromise and unusual activity
• Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing of exposed services
• Implement incident response procedures for rapid threat containment

Organizations must prioritize these remediation efforts based on system criticality and exposure, ensuring that operational technology networks receive enhanced protection due to their elevated targeting by threat actors.

 How CinchOps Can Help

CinchOps understands the critical nature of protecting Houston businesses from sophisticated cyber threats like CVE-2025-32433, and our experienced team of cybersecurity professionals specializes in defending both IT and operational technology networks against emerging vulnerabilities.

• Immediate vulnerability assessment and patching for Erlang/OTP systems
• Advanced network security monitoring that detects exploitation attempts in real-time
• Professional managed IT support for proper network segmentation implementation
• 24/7 monitoring of critical systems with rapid incident response capabilities
• Specialized small business IT support near me tailored for Houston area requirements
• Comprehensive cybersecurity services designed for operational technology protection
• Expert managed services provider solutions for both IT and OT environments

CinchOps delivers enterprise-grade protection designed specifically for Houston area businesses, ensuring your operational technology remains secure while maintaining business continuity during critical security updates.

 Discover More 

Discover more about our enterprise-grade and business protecting cybersecurity services: CinchOps Cybersecurity
Discover related topics: SixMap Study Reveals Critical Cybersecurity Gaps in US Energy Sector
For Additional Information on this topic: Keys to the Kingdom: Erlang/OTP SSH Vulnerability Analysis and Exploits Observed in the Wild

FREE CYBERSECURITY ASSESSMENT