PTC Windchill and FlexPLM Improper Input Validation
CVE-2026-12569 is a critical-severity improper input validation vulnerability in Windchill PDMLink from PTC, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Windchill PDMLink versions: 11.0 M030 and earlier; 11.1 M020; 11.2.1.0, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on June 25, 2026, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Windchill PDMLink you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTC | Windchill PDMLink | 11.0 M030 and earlier; 11.1 M020; 11.2.1.0; 12.0.2.0; 12.1.2.0; 13.0.2.0; 13.1.0.0; 13.1.1.0; and 2 more ranges | Not stated |
| PTC | FlexPLM | 11.0 M030 and earlier; 11.1 M020; 11.2.1.0; 12.0.0.0; 12.0.2.0; 12.1.2.0; 12.1.3.0; 13.0.2.0; and 1 more ranges | 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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.3 | Critical | CNA |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
A critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability has been reported in PTC Windchill PDMlink and PTC FlexPLM. The vulnerability may be exploited through the deserialization of untrusted data. * This advisory also applies to all CPS versions * The identified vulnerability also impacts Windchill and FlexPLM releases prior to 11.0 M030
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Input Validation
The product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Consider using language-theoretic security (LangSec) techniques that characterize inputs using a formal language and build recognizers for that language. This effectively requires parsing to be a distinct layer that effectively enforces a boundary between raw input and internal data representations, instead of allowing parser code to be scattered throughout the program, where it could be subject to errors or inconsistencies that create weaknesses.
- Use an input validation framework such as Struts or the OWASP ESAPI Validation API. Note that using a framework does not automatically address all input validation problems; be mindful of weaknesses that could arise from misusing the framework itself (CWE-1173).
- Understand all the potential areas where untrusted inputs can enter the product, including but not limited to: parameters or arguments, cookies, anything read from the network, environment variables, reverse DNS lookups, query results, request headers, URL components, e-mail, files, filenames, databases, and any external systems that provide data to the application. Remember that such inputs may be obtained indirectly through API calls.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-12569US Government Resource
Other references
- ptc.com/en/support/article/CS473270Permissions Required
Other vulnerabilities in Windchill PDMLink
- 7.7 High severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
Recent Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
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