Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2020-25176 is a critical path traversal issue in Rockwell Automation ISaGRAF Runtime 4.x and 5.x. A remote attacker could manipulate file-operation requests and potentially reach remote code execution. This matters most for industrial environments where embedded runtime exposure can affect operational technology systems.
Executive priority
Treat as urgent for OT environments, especially where affected runtime interfaces are reachable beyond trusted control networks. Confirm exposure quickly, then follow Rockwell and OEM guidance for remediation or compensating controls.
Technical view
The source describes insufficient validation of filename parameters in ISaGRAF Runtime eXchange Layer protocol file operations, mapped to CWE-23. The stated impact includes traversal outside the intended application directory and possible remote code execution. The bundle notes a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.1, but its vector lists PR:H while the description says unauthenticated; treat this as source inconsistency.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely where Rockwell Automation ISaGRAF Runtime 4.x or 5.x is deployed, including embedded or OEM industrial products that incorporate the runtime. Asset owners should check Rockwell guidance and relevant OEM advisories, including Schneider Electric and Xylem references, for product-specific applicability.
Exploitation context
The bundle does not identify CISA KEV listing or cite active exploitation. Risk remains high because the issue is network-reachable, affects file operations, and could lead to remote code execution if exploitable in a deployed environment.
Researcher notes
Key uncertainty is the privilege requirement conflict between the narrative and CVSS vector. Do not assume exploitability conditions beyond the cited sources. Focus validation on affected runtime presence, IXL/file-operation exposure, vendor-fixed versions, and whether OEM products bundle the vulnerable runtime.
Mitigation direction
- Inventory systems using ISaGRAF Runtime 4.x or 5.x.
- Review Rockwell advisory 1131699 for fixed versions or official mitigations.
- Check Schneider Electric and Xylem advisories for OEM-specific exposure.
- Restrict untrusted network access to ISaGRAF runtime interfaces.
- Prioritize remediation for internet-reachable or cross-zone OT assets.
Validation and detection
- Confirm runtime version and whether ISaGRAF 4.x or 5.x is present.
- Map network paths to ISaGRAF or IXL protocol exposure.
- Review vendor and OEM advisories against deployed product models.
- Check whether compensating controls block untrusted access.
- Document unresolved PR:H versus unauthenticated description discrepancy.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CWE-23: File access and web shell behavior lookup
File traversal and upload weaknesses can lead teams to review file, web shell, execution, and collection telemetry. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupExecution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupFile access behavior lookup
The CVE wording references file access or upload behavior, so file telemetry and web shell review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2020-25176 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Critical
- CVSS
- 9.1 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H2.36Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
9.1CriticalVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-20-280-01CVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
- https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1131699CVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
- https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2021-159-04CVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
- https://www.xylem.com/siteassets/about-xylem/cybersecurity/advisories/xylem-multismart-rockwell-isagraf.pdfCVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.