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CVE-2024-11364 Rockwell Automation CVE debrief

CVE-2024-11364 is a high-severity uninitialized variable vulnerability in Rockwell Automation Arena 32-bit simulation software (versions ≤16.20.06). The flaw allows arbitrary code execution when a user opens a maliciously crafted DOE file that forces the application to access an uninitialized variable. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, with a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8. CISA published this advisory on December 10, 2024, as part of ICSA-24-345-06, with subsequent updates in January 2025 (Update A) and February 2026 (Update B) adding related CVEs and revised mitigations. Rockwell Automation has released version 16.20.09 to address this issue.

Vendor
Rockwell Automation
Product
Arena
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2024-12-10
Original CVE updated
2026-02-03
Advisory published
2024-12-10
Advisory updated
2026-02-03

Who should care

Organizations using Rockwell Automation Arena 32-bit for manufacturing simulation, logistics modeling, or process optimization should prioritize patching. This includes industrial engineers, OT security teams, and IT administrators supporting engineering workstations. The user-interaction requirement means security awareness training for engineers and simulation analysts is critical. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or contractor access to Arena installations face elevated risk. Asset owners in critical manufacturing sectors should evaluate this vulnerability within their broader ICS risk management framework.

Technical summary

This vulnerability stems from improper initialization of variables in Arena's DOE file processing. When parsing a crafted DOE file, the application accesses memory through an uninitialized pointer, enabling an attacker to redirect execution flow. The attack vector is local (AV:L) with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring no privileges (PR:N) but user interaction (UI:R). Successful exploitation yields high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability class aligns with CWE-1395 (Use of Uninitialized Resource). Arena is discrete event simulation software used for manufacturing and logistics modeling, making this vulnerability relevant to operational technology environments where engineering workstations may bridge IT and OT networks.

Defensive priority

HIGH

Recommended defensive actions

  • Upgrade Rockwell Automation Arena 32-bit to version 16.20.09 or later to remediate this vulnerability.
  • Hold the Control key when loading files to prevent VBA file stream from loading as a temporary mitigation.
  • Implement Rockwell Automation's security best practices for industrial control systems to reduce attack surface.
  • Apply Stakeholder-Specific Vulnerability Categorization (SSVC) for environment-specific prioritization of this vulnerability.
  • Train users to recognize and avoid opening untrusted DOE files from unknown sources.
  • Review and apply CISA's ICS recommended practices for defense-in-depth security architecture.

Evidence notes

Vulnerability disclosed via CISA CSAF advisory ICSA-24-345-06 on 2024-12-10. Advisory updated 2025-01-09 (Update A) to add CVE-2024-11364 and other CVEs, and 2026-02-03 (Update B) for additional CVEs and product updates. Affected product confirmed as Rockwell Automation Arena 32-bit ≤16.20.06. Remediation version 16.20.09 specified in vendor guidance.

Official resources

2024-12-10