CVE-2025-11697
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows any Windows user on a system with Studio 5000 Simulation Interface to execute arbitrary code with Administrator privileges via path traversal attacks. The exploit requires local access and triggers execution on system reboot, affecting industrial control systems using this Rockwell Automation software.
💻 Affected Systems
- Studio 5000 Simulation Interface
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with persistent Administrator-level access, enabling attackers to disrupt industrial processes, steal sensitive data, or deploy ransomware across the operational technology environment.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to unauthorized administrative access, potentially allowing attackers to modify control logic, disable safety systems, or establish persistence in industrial networks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and least privilege controls, though local users could still gain elevated privileges on individual workstations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local Windows user access but uses simple path traversal techniques. The delayed execution on reboot makes detection more challenging.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: v2.00.01
Vendor Advisory: https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/trust-center/security-advisories/advisory.SD1760.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Studio 5000 Simulation Interface v2.00.01 from Rockwell Automation's website. 2. Install the update following vendor instructions. 3. Restart the system to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall Studio 5000 Simulation Interface from systems where it's not essential
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Studio 5000 Simulation Interface > Uninstall
Restrict local user access
windowsLimit Windows user accounts on affected systems to only authorized personnel
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate affected systems from critical control networks
- Apply least privilege principles and monitor for unauthorized local user activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if Studio 5000 Simulation Interface is installed and if version is below v2.00.01 via Control Panel or vendor documentationCheck Version:
Check program version in Control Panel or consult Rockwell Automation documentation for version verificationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installation of v2.00.01 through software version check and confirm no path traversal exploitation occurs📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file extraction attempts via Studio 5000 Simulation Interface API
- Path traversal patterns in application logs
- Unexpected system reboots on engineering workstations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual API calls to Simulation Interface from unauthorized local users
SIEM Query:
source="windows-security" AND event_id=4688 AND process_name="*Simulation*" AND command_line="*..\\*"