Critical Vulnerabilities in CHOCO TEI WATCHER mini Devices Pose Significant Risks to Industrial Environments
Recent advisories from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have highlighted critical vulnerabilities in the CHOCO TEI WATCHER mini devices, widely used in industrial and manufacturing settings. These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, and alter device settings. The vulnerabilities include issues such as client-side authentication flaws and weak password requirements, with CVSS scores reaching as high as 9.8, indicating severe potential impacts.
The vulnerabilities affect all versions of the CHOCO TEI WATCHER mini, a product by Inaba Denki Sangyo Co., Ltd. While no public exploitation has been reported, the potential for significant operational disruption in critical manufacturing sectors is substantial, especially without product patches being available at this point. CISA has urged organizations to implement temporary mitigations, such as using secured LAN environments and restricting physical access to the devices.
Threats and Vulnerabilities
The CHOCO TEI WATCHER mini devices are vulnerable to four critical issues. The first, CVE-2025-24517, involves the use of client-side authentication, allowing attackers to retrieve login passwords without authentication (CVSS: 7.5). This flaw could lead to unauthorized access and data manipulation. Another vulnerability, CVE-2025-24852, involves storing passwords in a recoverable format on the device's microSD card (CVSS: 4.6), posing risks if physical access is gained.
CVE-2025-25211 highlights weak password requirements (CVSS: 9.8), making the device susceptible to brute-force attacks. Additionally, CVE-2025-26689 allows remote attackers to craft HTTP requests to manipulate device data and settings without authentication (CVSS: 9.8). These vulnerabilities are particularly concerning for the manufacturing sector, where these devices are extensively deployed.
Client Impact
The identified vulnerabilities in CHOCO TEI WATCHER mini devices could lead to significant operational disruptions for clients in industrial and manufacturing sectors. Unauthorized access and data manipulation could result in production delays, financial losses, and potential safety hazards. Furthermore, these vulnerabilities could expose organizations to regulatory compliance challenges, as unauthorized data access and manipulation may violate industry standards and regulations.
Compliance implications are particularly relevant for industries subject to stringent cybersecurity regulations. Organizations may face audits or penalties if these vulnerabilities lead to data breaches or operational failures. It is crucial for clients to assess their current security measures and implement recommended mitigations to minimize these risks.
Mitigations
At this point, the vendor is only able to provide mitigation recommendations and not patches for the identified vulnerabilities. To mitigate the risks associated with the identified vulnerabilities, clients should consider the following actions:
- Use CHOCO TEI WATCHER mini devices only within secured LAN environments to prevent unauthorized external access.
- Implement VPNs or firewalls when remote access is necessary to enhance security.
- Restrict physical access to devices and microSD cards to authorized personnel only.
- Regularly review and update password policies to enforce strong password requirements.
- Monitor network traffic for unusual activity that may indicate attempted exploitation of these vulnerabilities.
These measures aim to reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data manipulation. Clients should remain vigilant and stay informed about any updates or patches released by Inaba Denki Sangyo Co., Ltd. Continuous monitoring and proactive security practices are essential in maintaining a secure operational environment.
1898 & Co. Response
1898 & Co is actively addressing the current threat landscape by offering specialized services tailored to industrial cybersecurity needs. Our team provides thorough assessments of existing security measures and assists clients in implementing robust defenses against emerging threats like those affecting CHOCO TEI WATCHER mini devices.
We are updating our security protocols to incorporate the latest threat intelligence and collaborating with industry partners to share insights and strategies for mitigating risks. Our ongoing research efforts focus on identifying new vulnerabilities and developing effective countermeasures to protect our clients' critical infrastructure.
Our commitment to cybersecurity excellence is demonstrated through successful case studies where we have helped clients enhance their security posture and prevent potential breaches. By leveraging our expertise, clients can navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape with confidence.