CVE-2020-25176
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-25176 is a directory traversal vulnerability in Rockwell Automation ISaGRAF Runtime that allows remote, unauthenticated attackers to access arbitrary files on the system. This affects versions 4.x and 5.x of the ISaGRAF Runtime when using the eXchange Layer (IXL) protocol. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- Rockwell Automation ISaGRAF Runtime
📦 What is this software?
Aadvance Controller by Rockwellautomation
Easergy C5 Firmware by Schneider Electric
Easergy T300 Firmware by Schneider Electric
Epas Gtw Firmware by Schneider Electric
Epas Gtw Firmware by Schneider Electric
Isagraf Free Runtime by Rockwellautomation
Isagraf Runtime by Rockwellautomation
Micom C264 Firmware by Schneider Electric
Micro810 Firmware by Rockwellautomation
Micro820 Firmware by Rockwellautomation
Micro830 Firmware by Rockwellautomation
Micro850 Firmware by Rockwellautomation
Micro870 Firmware by Rockwellautomation
Pacis Gtw Firmware by Schneider Electric
Pacis Gtw Firmware by Schneider Electric
Pacis Gtw Firmware by Schneider Electric
Pacis Gtw Firmware by Schneider Electric
Pacis Gtw Firmware by Schneider Electric
Saitel Dp Firmware by Schneider Electric
Saitel Dr Firmware by Schneider Electric
Scd2200 Firmware by Schneider Electric
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote, unauthenticated attacker gains full system control through remote code execution, potentially compromising industrial control systems.
Likely Case
Attackers read sensitive files, modify configurations, or deploy malware to disrupt industrial operations.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls preventing external access to vulnerable systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Directory traversal vulnerabilities are typically easy to exploit once the attack vector is understood. No public exploit code found in references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 6.0 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1131699
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download ISaGRAF Runtime Version 6.0 or later from Rockwell Automation. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install the updated version following vendor instructions. 4. Restart the system. 5. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate ISaGRAF systems from untrusted networks using firewalls.
Disable IXL Protocol
allIf not required, disable the eXchange Layer (IXL) protocol entirely.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit connections to ISaGRAF systems only from trusted sources.
- Deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for directory traversal attempts and anomalous file access patterns.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check ISaGRAF Runtime version. If using versions 4.x or 5.x with IXL protocol enabled, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check version through ISaGRAF management interface or system documentation (vendor-specific command varies by deployment).Verify Fix Applied:
Verify ISaGRAF Runtime version is 6.0 or later and confirm IXL protocol configuration if still enabled.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns via IXL protocol
- Directory traversal strings in logs (e.g., '../', '..\')
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected connections to ISaGRAF IXL ports (typically TCP 1962)
- Anomalous traffic patterns to/from industrial control systems
SIEM Query:
source="isagraf_logs" AND (message="*../*" OR message="*..\\*")🔗 References
- https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2021-159-04
- https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1131699
- https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-20-280-01
- https://www.xylem.com/siteassets/about-xylem/cybersecurity/advisories/xylem-multismart-rockwell-isagraf.pdf
- https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2021-159-04
- https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1131699
- https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-20-280-01
- https://www.xylem.com/siteassets/about-xylem/cybersecurity/advisories/xylem-multismart-rockwell-isagraf.pdf
