Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Activation Manager
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- CVSS v4 8.7
- ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/Low attack complexity
- Vendor: Rockwell Automation
- Equipment: FactoryTalk Activation Manager
- Vulnerability: Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm
2. RISK EVALUATION
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in in data exposure, session hijacking, or full communication compromise.
3. TECHNICAL DETAILS
3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS
The following version of FactoryTalk Activation Manager, a secure software tool that enables activation and management of Rockwell Automation products without physical media, is affected:
- FactoryTalk Activation Manager: Version 5.00
3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW
3.2.1 INCORRECT IMPLEMENTATION OF AUTHENTICATION ALGORITHM CWE-303
A security issue exists within FactoryTalk Activation Manager. An error in the implementation of cryptography within the software could allow attackers to decrypt traffic. This could result in data exposure, session hijacking, or full communication compromise.
CVE-2025-7970 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 7.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2025-7970. A base score of 8.7 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/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
Rockwell Automation reported this vulnerability to CISA.
4. MITIGATIONS
Rockwell Automation recommends users update FactoryTalk Activation Manager software to Version 5.02 or later.
If users are not able to upgrade to one of the corrected versions, Rockwell Automation recommends following their security best practices.
For more information, see the Rockwell Automation security advisory.
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.
5. UPDATE HISTORY
- September 09, 2025: Initial Republication of Rockwell Automation advisory
This product is provided subject to this Notification and this Privacy & Use policy.
Vendor
- Rockwell Automation