CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2025-2287NVD status: Analyzed

Arena®: Access of Uninitialized Pointer

CVE-2025-2287 is a high-severity access of uninitialized pointer vulnerability in Arena® from Rockwell Automation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Arena® versions: 16.20.08 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.3% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Arena® you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on rockwellautomation.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Rockwell AutomationArena®16.20.08 and earlierNot stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.08.5HighCNA (rockwellautomation.com)
CVSS 3.17.8HighNVD

Official description

A local code execution vulnerability exists in the Rockwell Automation Arena® due to an uninitialized pointer. The flaw is result of improper validation of user-supplied data. If exploited a threat actor can disclose information and execute arbitrary code on the system. To exploit the vulnerability a legitimate user must open a malicious DOE file.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Access of Uninitialized Pointer

The product accesses or uses a pointer that has not been initialized.

More Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities (CWE-824)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in Arena®

All Arena® vulnerabilities

Recent Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities

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