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CVE-2025-6376 Rockwell Automation CVE debrief

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Rockwell Automation Arena simulation software versions 16.20.08 and earlier. The flaw stems from an out-of-bounds write condition when processing DOE (Design of Experiments) files, which could allow arbitrary code execution if a user opens a maliciously crafted file. This vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation—a legitimate user must execute the crafted code. The issue was disclosed in CISA advisory ICSA-24-345-06 Update B on February 3, 2026, adding CVE-2025-6376 to an existing advisory that originally published December 10, 2024. Rockwell Automation has released version 16.20.09 to address this vulnerability.

Vendor
Rockwell Automation
Product
Arena
CVSS
HIGH 7
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 for discrete event simulation in industrial environments, particularly those exchanging DOE files externally or with untrusted parties. OT security teams and engineers responsible for simulation workflow security should prioritize patching.

Technical summary

CVE-2025-6376 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) in Rockwell Automation Arena's handling of DOE (Design of Experiments) files. The vulnerability exists in versions 16.20.08 and earlier. When a user opens a maliciously crafted DOE file, the software writes beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is local (AV:L) with high attack complexity (AC:H) and requires user interaction (UI:R). The vulnerability was added to CISA advisory ICSA-24-345-06 in Update B on February 3, 2026. Rockwell Automation has released version 16.20.09 as a fix.

Defensive priority

HIGH

Recommended defensive actions

  • Upgrade Rockwell Automation Arena to version 16.20.09 or later to remediate this vulnerability.
  • Avoid loading untrusted Arena model files, particularly DOE files from unverified sources.
  • Hold the Control key when loading files to prevent VBA file stream execution as a temporary mitigation.
  • Implement Rockwell Automation's security best practices for industrial control systems.
  • Apply CISA's Stakeholder-Specific Vulnerability Categorization (SSVC) for environment-specific prioritization.

Evidence notes

CVE published 2024-12-10; advisory modified 2026-02-03 to add CVE-2025-6376 in Update B. CVSS 3.1 score 7.0 (HIGH). Affected product: Rockwell Automation Arena <=16.20.08. CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). Exploitation requires user interaction with malicious DOE file.

Official resources

2024-12-10