GE Vernova CIMPLICITY
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- CVSS v4 7.0
- ATTENTION: Low attack complexity
- Vendor: GE Vernova
- Equipment: CIMPLICITY
- Vulnerability: Uncontrolled Search Path Element
2. RISK EVALUATION
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a low-privileged local attacker to escalate privileges.
3. TECHNICAL DETAILS
3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS
The following versions of GE Vernova's CIMPLICITY, HMI/SCADA software, are affected:
- CIMPLICITY: Versions 2024, 2023, 2022, 11.0
3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW
3.2.1 UNCONTROLLED SEARCH PATH ELEMENT CWE-427
CIMPLICITY versions 2024, 2023, 2022, and 11.0 are vulnerable to an Uncontrolled Search Path Element exploit that could allow a low-level attacker to escalate their privileges.
CVE-2025-7719 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2025-7719. A base score of 7 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).
3.3 BACKGROUND
- CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing
- COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
- COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: United States
3.4 RESEARCHER
Michael Heinzl reported this vulnerability to CISA.
4. MITIGATIONS
GE Vernova recommends users upgrade to CIMPLICITY 2024 SIM 4. The SIM is posted to the KB as article: 000071725.
Direct Link (Login Required): https://digitalsupport.ge.com/s/article/CIMPLICITY-2024-SIM-4?language=en_US.
The most complete method to address the vulnerability is upgrading to CIMPLICITY 2024 SIM 4. However, if users are currently unable to upgrade and/or choose not to, it is recommended they reach out to GE Vernova support for guidance to further mitigate the issue on their version(s).
Users are strongly advised to follow the Secure Deployment Guide (SDG) instructions. The complete SDG can be found at CIMPLICITY SDG (Login Required).
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.
No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time. This vulnerability is not exploitable remotely.
5. UPDATE HISTORY
- August 28, 2025: Initial Publication
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