A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-2185) in ALBEDO Telecom’s Net.Time PTP/NTP clock devices could allow attackers to intercept unencrypted credentials due to insufficient session expiration mechanisms. The flaw affects version 1.4.4 of the synchronization device used across telecom, finance, and critical infrastructure sectors.
Executive Summary
The vulnerability, rated CVSS v4 8.5, allows remote attackers with low complexity to exploit session management weaknesses in ALBEDO Telecom’s Net.Time devices. Researchers from CoE-CNDS Lab discovered that the affected products transmit authentication credentials without proper session termination, leaving them vulnerable to interception. The specific affected model is the Net.Time – PTP/NTP clock with serial number NBC0081P running software release 1.4.41.
ALBEDO Telecom has released version 1.6.1 to address this security issue. The company’s Net.Time series serves as carrier-grade synchronization solutions for 5G networks, financial timestamping, and industrial control systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on precise time synchronization2.
Technical Analysis
The insufficient session expiration vulnerability (CWE-613) occurs when the device fails to properly invalidate session tokens or credentials after a period of inactivity. This allows attackers who gain access to network traffic to reuse intercepted credentials. The vulnerability affects the web-based management interface of the Net.Time devices, which typically includes configuration for PTP (IEEE 1588), NTP, SyncE, and other timing protocols2.
Successful exploitation could compromise the synchronization accuracy of critical infrastructure systems. The Net.Time series supports multiple GNSS systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) and provides holdover stability of ±100 ns over 10 hours with rubidium oscillators, making them essential for time-sensitive operations2. A breach could therefore impact sectors ranging from 5G telecommunications to financial transaction logging.
Mitigation Strategies
ALBEDO Telecom recommends upgrading affected devices to version 1.6.1 immediately. For organizations unable to patch immediately, CISA suggests several defensive measures:
- Isolate Net.Time devices from internet-facing networks
- Implement VPN access for remote management instead of direct web interface access
- Monitor network traffic for unencrypted credential transmission
- Restrict administrative access to the devices using network segmentation
The vulnerability’s impact is particularly significant because Net.Time devices often serve as grandmaster clocks in precision timing architectures. Their compromise could cascade to downstream systems relying on their time synchronization signals1.
Device Context and Deployment
The affected Net.Time series includes three main models (τ/Tau, Ω/Omega, φ/Phi) with varying features for different industries. The Tau model provides ±15 ns accuracy when GNSS-locked, while the Omega variant supports PRP redundancy for IEC 61850 substations. These devices are deployed worldwide, with company headquarters in Spain1,2.
Management features include web-based GUI, CLI/SSH access, and integration with network management systems like SGRwin. The devices typically include 2x RJ-45 (1 Gb/s) ports, 2x SFP slots, and SMA/SMB connectors for GNSS/PPS signals, operating in temperatures from -40°C to +70°C2.
Conclusion
The CVE-2025-2185 vulnerability in ALBEDO Telecom’s Net.Time devices demonstrates the critical need for secure session management in network timing equipment. Organizations using these devices should prioritize patching to version 1.6.1 and review their network architecture to minimize exposure. As timing synchronization forms the foundation for many critical operations, from financial transactions to 5G networks, securing these devices remains paramount for overall infrastructure resilience.
References
- “ALBEDO Telecom Net.Time – PTP/NTP Clock Security Advisory,” CISA, Apr. 24, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-114-02
- “ALBEDO Telecom Net.Time Series: Synchronization Solutions,” ALBEDO Telecom. [Online]. Available: https://www.albedotelecom.com
- “CVE-2025-2185 Detail,” National Vulnerability Database. [Online]. Available: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-CVE-2025-2185
- “ALBEDO Telecom Net.Time Security Bulletin,” CERT-VDE. [Online]. Available: https://certvde.com/en/bulletins/2467-albedo-telecom-nettime-ptpntp-clock/
