CVE-2020-12525
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in M&M Software's fdtCONTAINER Component allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by deserializing untrusted data from project storage files. It affects industrial control systems using vulnerable versions of the software, potentially compromising operational technology environments.
💻 Affected Systems
- M&M Software fdtCONTAINER Component
📦 What is this software?
Io Link Master Firmware by Pepperl Fuchs
Pactware by Pepperl Fuchs
Rosemount Transmitter Interface Software by Emerson
View all CVEs affecting Rosemount Transmitter Interface Software →
Wi Manager by Weidmueller
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or disruption of industrial processes
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution when malicious project files are processed
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and file validation controls
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires attacker to supply malicious project file or access to project storage
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.5.20304.x or 3.6.20304.x and above
Vendor Advisory: https://cert.vde.com/en-us/advisories/vde-2020-038
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download updated version from M&M Software 2. Backup existing configuration 3. Install update 4. Restart affected systems
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict project file access
allLimit who can create/modify project files and implement file integrity monitoring
Network segmentation
allIsolate fdtCONTAINER systems from untrusted networks and implement firewall rules
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls on project storage directories
- Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check fdtCONTAINER version in software about dialog or registryCheck Version:
Check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\M&M Software\fdtCONTAINER\Version on WindowsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 3.5.20304.x or 3.6.20304.x or higher📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process creation from fdtCONTAINER
- Failed deserialization attempts
- Access to unusual project files
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from fdtCONTAINER hosts
SIEM Query:
Process creation where parent_process contains 'fdtCONTAINER' and command_line contains suspicious patterns