Summary
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain full access to functionality and data with the bioreactor.
The following versions of Eppendorf BioFlo 320 are affected:
- BioFlo 320 Bioreactor vers:all/*
| CVSS | Vendor | Equipment | Vulnerabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| v3 9.8 | Eppendorf | Eppendorf BioFlo 320 | Use of Hard-coded Password |
Background
- Critical Infrastructure Sectors: Healthcare and Public Health
- Countries/Areas Deployed: Worldwide
- Company Headquarters Location: Germany
Vulnerabilities
CVE-2026-7251
The affected product is vulnerable to due to VNC server using a hard-coded password. If a remote attacker knows the network address of any BioFlo 320 model with remote access enabled, they can gain full control of the user interface by using this password. Once connected, the attacker would have full access to all control panel features for the BioFlo 320. VNC traffic is not encrypted.
Affected Products
Eppendorf BioFlo 320
Eppendorf
Eppendorf BioFlo 320 Bioreactor: vers:all/*
known_affected
Remediations
Mitigation
Eppendorf has released a software update that permanently removes VNC access from the controller. Users should download and apply this update from: https://www.eppendorf.com/software-downloads.
https://www.eppendorf.com/software-downloads
Mitigation
All affected BioFlo 320 systems always shipped with Virtual Network Computing (VNC) disabled by default, and VNC can only be enabled locally at the tower. Eppendorf has removed VNC configuration information from all current documentation, so it no longer appears in BioFlo 320 Operating Manuals.
Mitigation
Eppendorf recommends user do the following:
Verify that VNC is disabled on the controller
Enable security so that only Admin and Supervisor roles can change VNC settings
Install Version 5.0 Software as soon as possible
Relevant CWE: CWE-259 Use of Hard-coded Password
Metrics
| CVSS Version | Base Score | Base Severity | Vector String |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | 9.8 | CRITICAL | CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H |
Acknowledgments
- BIO-ISAC reported this vulnerability to CISA
Legal Notice and Terms of Use
This product is provided subject to this Notification (https://www.cisa.gov/notification) and this Privacy & Use policy (https://www.cisa.gov/privacy-policy).
Recommended Practices
CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability.
Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet.
Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.
CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.
CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.
CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.
Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B–Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.
Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.
CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:
Do not click web links or open attachments in unsolicited email messages.
Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams.
Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information on social engineering attacks.
No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time.
Revision History
- Initial Release Date: 2026-05-26
| Date | Revision | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-26 | 1 | Initial Publication |