CVE-2025-2829 Rockwell Automation CVE debrief

Who should care

Organizations using Rockwell Automation Arena, especially engineering, operations, and OT teams that handle DOE project files on workstations where users may open files from outside trusted sources.

Technical summary

The advisory describes an out-of-bounds write caused by improper validation of user-supplied data in Rockwell Automation Arena. A successful attack depends on user interaction: a legitimate user must open a malicious DOE file. If triggered, the flaw can expose information and enable arbitrary code execution on the affected system. The published CVSS v3.1 vector is AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, which aligns with local execution requiring user action but with high impact if exploited.

Defensive priority

High. The vulnerability is not listed as KEV, but it affects an OT/engineering application and can lead to arbitrary code execution on a user workstation when a malicious file is opened. Prioritize patching in environments that process DOE files.

Recommended defensive actions

• Upgrade Rockwell Automation Arena to V16.20.09 or later.
• Treat DOE files from untrusted or external sources as suspicious and restrict how they are shared and opened.
• Apply industrial control system security best practices on engineering workstations and related endpoints.
• Review Rockwell Automation advisory SD1726 and the CISA ICS advisory for additional mitigation guidance.

Evidence notes

All core claims are drawn from CISA’s CSAF advisory ICSA-25-100-07 and the linked Rockwell Automation security advisory. The advisory states the flaw is an out-of-bounds write from improper validation of user-supplied data, that exploitation requires opening a malicious DOE file, and that affected versions are Arena <=16.20.08. The advisory revision history indicates the 2025-05-06 update was a typo fix only.

Official resources