PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2025-3288 Rockwell Automation CVE debrief

CVE-2025-3288 is a high-severity local code execution vulnerability in Rockwell Automation Arena. CISA’s advisory says the flaw stems from improper validation of user-supplied data, which can lead to reading outside the allocated memory buffer. If a legitimate user opens a malicious DOE file on an affected system, an attacker may be able to disclose information and execute arbitrary code.

Vendor: Rockwell Automation
Product: Arena
CVSS: HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV: Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published: 2025-04-10
Original CVE updated: 2025-05-06
Advisory published: 2025-04-10
Advisory updated: 2025-05-06

Who should care

Organizations using Rockwell Automation Arena, especially engineering and OT teams that handle DOE files on affected workstations. Security and IT administrators responsible for patching, endpoint controls, and file-handling policy should prioritize this issue.

Technical summary

The CISA CSAF advisory identifies Rockwell Automation Arena versions <=16.20.08 as affected. The vulnerability is described as a local code execution issue caused by improper validation of user-supplied data, resulting in an out-of-bounds read of allocated memory. Exploitation requires user interaction: a legitimate user must open a malicious DOE file. Successful exploitation may disclose information and allow arbitrary code execution on the system.

Defensive priority

High. The CVSS score is 7.8 and the impact includes code execution, but exploitation requires a user to open a malicious file. Prioritize patching affected hosts and reducing exposure to untrusted DOE files.

Recommended defensive actions

Upgrade Rockwell Automation Arena to V16.20.09 or later.
Confirm no systems remain on Arena versions <=16.20.08.
Apply Rockwell Automation’s published security best practices and CISA ICS recommended practices/defense-in-depth guidance.
Treat DOE files from untrusted or unexpected sources as suspicious and limit their handling on affected systems.
Validate patch deployment across all engineering and operator workstations that run Arena.

Evidence notes

The supplied CISA CSAF advisory (ICSA-25-100-07) states the affected product is Rockwell Automation Arena <=16.20.08 and recommends upgrading to V16.20.09 or later. It also states that exploitation requires a legitimate user to open a malicious DOE file and that the flaw can lead to information disclosure and arbitrary code execution. The supplied CVSS vector is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, which aligns with a local, user-interaction-dependent issue. The advisory revision on 2025-05-06 is listed as fixing typos only.

Official resources

CISA published ICSA-25-100-07 on 2025-04-10 and revised it on 2025-05-06 with typo fixes only. The supplied enrichment does not mark this CVE as KEV-listed.