Process Optimization: Missing Authorization
CVE-2025-64729 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in Process Optimization from AVEVA, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Process Optimization versions: 2024.1 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 0.19% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Process Optimization you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on aveva.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVEVA | Process Optimization | 2024.1 and earlier | Not 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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.6 | High | CNA (hq.dhs.gov) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | CNA (hq.dhs.gov) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.2 | High | NVD |
Official description
The vulnerability, if exploited, could allow an authenticated miscreant (OS Standard User) to tamper with Process Optimization project files, embed code, and escalate their privileges to the identity of a victim user who subsequently interacts with the project files.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Missing Authorization
The product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Divide the product into anonymous, normal, privileged, and administrative areas. Reduce the attack surface by carefully mapping roles with data and functionality. Use role-based access control (RBAC) to enforce the roles at the appropriate boundaries. Note that this approach may not protect against horizontal authorization, i.e., it will not protect a user from attacking others with the same role.
- Ensure that access control checks are performed related to the business logic. These checks may be different than the access control checks that are applied to more generic resources such as files, connections, processes, memory, and database records. For example, a database may restrict access for medical records to a specific database user, but each record might only be intended to be accessible to the patient and the patient's doctor.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, consider using authorization frameworks such as the JAAS Authorization Framework and the OWASP ESAPI Access Control feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- github.com/cisagov/CSAF/blob/develop/csaf_files/OT/white/2026/icsa-26-015-01.jsonThird Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-015-01Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Process Optimization
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
Recent Missing Authorization vulnerabilities
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
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