CVE-2020-25163
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers with write access to PI ProcessBook files to inject malicious code that executes when imported into OSIsoft PI Vision. Attackers can potentially access, modify, or delete data based on the victim's user permissions. This affects organizations using PI Vision 2020 versions prior to 3.5.0.
💻 Affected Systems
- OSIsoft PI Vision
📦 What is this software?
Pi Vision by Osisoft
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of PI System data including unauthorized disclosure, modification, or deletion of critical industrial control system data, potentially leading to operational disruption or safety incidents.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive process data, modification of displays to mislead operators, or exfiltration of proprietary industrial information.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to network segmentation, strict access controls, and monitoring preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires write access to ProcessBook files and social engineering to get victims to import/view infected displays.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: PI Vision 3.5.0
Vendor Advisory: https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-20-315-02
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download PI Vision 3.5.0 from OSIsoft support portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install update following vendor documentation. 4. Restart PI Vision services. 5. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict ProcessBook file access
allLimit write access to PI ProcessBook files to trusted administrators only.
Windows: icacls *.pbk /deny "Users":(W)
Linux: chmod 644 *.pbk
Disable automatic import features
windowsConfigure PI Vision to require manual approval for imported displays.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls on PI ProcessBook files allowing write access only to essential personnel.
- Deploy network segmentation to isolate PI Vision systems from untrusted networks and users.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check PI Vision version in administration console or via registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\OSIsoft\PI Vision\VersionCheck Version:
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\OSIsoft\PI Vision" /v VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 3.5.0 or later and test import functionality with known safe ProcessBook files.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual ProcessBook file modifications
- Failed import attempts in PI Vision logs
- Unexpected display rendering errors
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from PI Vision servers
- Anomalous data transfer patterns
SIEM Query:
source="PI_Vision" AND (event="import_failed" OR event="display_error")