Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 Logix Designer
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- CVSS v4 7.3
- ATTENTION: Exploitable from a local network
- Vendor: Rockwell Automation
- Equipment: Studio 5000 Logix Designer
- Vulnerability: Improper Input Validation
2. RISK EVALUATION
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to crash the device or execute malicious code.
3. TECHNICAL DETAILS
3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS
The following versions of Studio 5000 Logix Designer, a centralized control system management software, are affected:
- Studio 5000 Logix Designer: Version 36.00.02 to 37.00.02
3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW
3.2.1 IMPROPER INPUT VALIDATION CWE-20
A security issues exists within Studio 5000 Logix Designer due to unsafe handling of environment variables. If the specified path lacks a valid file, Logix Designer crashes; however, it may be possible to execute malicious code without triggering a crash.
CVE-2025-7971 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2025-7971. A base score of 7.3 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:H/AT:N/PR:L/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H).
3.3 BACKGROUND
- CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Chemical, Critical Manufacturing
- COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
- COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: United States
3.4 RESEARCHER
Rockwell Automation reported this vulnerability to CISA.
4. MITIGATIONS
Rockwell Automation recommends users to update to version 37.00.02 or later if possible. If users of the affected software are unable to upgrade the version, security best practices should be applied.
CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability, such as:
- Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet.
- Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
- When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.
CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.
CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.
CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.
Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.
Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.
CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:
- Do not click web links or open attachments in unsolicited email messages.
- Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams.
- Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information on social engineering attacks.
No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time. This vulnerability is not exploitable remotely. This vulnerability has a high attack complexity.
5. UPDATE HISTORY
- August 14, 2025: Initial Republication
This product is provided subject to this Notification and this Privacy & Use policy.
Vendor
- Rockwell Automation