CVE-2025-13911
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated administrators in Ignition SCADA systems to execute arbitrary Python code with SYSTEM-level privileges on Windows. Attackers can upload malicious project files containing Python scripts that create bind shells or perform other unauthorized actions. This affects Ignition installations using Python scripting for automation.
💻 Affected Systems
- Ignition SCADA
⚠️ 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
Complete system compromise with SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling attackers to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive industrial data, disrupt industrial operations, or pivot to other systems on the network.
Likely Case
Authenticated administrators or attackers who compromise admin credentials can execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining full control of the SCADA server and accessing connected industrial systems.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and Python library restrictions, impact is limited to authorized automation functions only, preventing unauthorized code execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated administrator access but is straightforward once credentials are obtained
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://security.inductiveautomation.com/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review vendor advisory at security.inductiveautomation.com 2. Apply recommended patches 3. Restart Ignition services 4. Verify Python library restrictions are properly configured
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Python Library Imports
windowsConfigure Ignition to only allow specific, approved Python libraries for automation scripts
Configure via Ignition Gateway configuration settings
Implement Least Privilege Service Account
windowsRun Ignition service with minimal required permissions instead of SYSTEM account
Create dedicated service account with limited privileges
Configure Ignition to run under this account
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls for Ignition administrator accounts
- Disable Python scripting functionality if not required for operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if Python scripting is enabled and service runs as SYSTEM on WindowsCheck Version:
Check Ignition Gateway version in Gateway Web InterfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Verify service runs with reduced privileges and Python library restrictions are enforced📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized Python library imports
- Unexpected project file uploads
- Suspicious process creation from Ignition service
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from Ignition server
- Bind shell connections on non-standard ports
SIEM Query:
source="ignition" AND (event="project_upload" OR event="python_execution")