Rockwell Automation Arena Simulation
Plan Patch7ICS-CERT ICSA-25-329-02Nov 25, 2025
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityHigh
User InteractionRequired
Summary
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) in Rockwell Automation Arena Simulation versions 16.20.10 and earlier allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code through user interaction with a malicious file or input. The vulnerability requires local access to the affected workstation and user action to trigger exploitation. Rockwell Automation recommends upgrading to version 16.20.11 or later. This vulnerability is not remotely exploitable and no public exploitation has been reported.
What this means
What could happen
An attacker with local access to a computer running Arena Simulation could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially compromising simulation files, engineering data, or adjacent networked systems if the workstation has access to control system networks.
Who's at risk
Engineering and simulation personnel at water utilities and electric utilities who use Rockwell Automation Arena Simulation for process modeling and training. The vulnerability affects workstations running Arena Simulation version 16.20.10 or earlier, typically located in engineering departments or training environments.
How it could be exploited
An attacker must first gain local access to the workstation running Arena Simulation (e.g., via physical access, local credential compromise, or malware delivery through email/USB). The attacker then exploits a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) triggered by user interaction with a malicious input or file, allowing arbitrary code execution with user privileges.
Prerequisites
- Local access to the workstation running Arena Simulation
- User interaction required (opening a malicious file or input)
- Arena Simulation version 16.20.10 or earlier must be installed
Local access requiredUser interaction required (buffer overflow triggered by file/input)Stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121)No patch currently available from vendor
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.0%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Arena Simulation: <=16.20.10≤ 16.20.1016.20.11
Remediation & Mitigation
0/5
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HOTFIXUpgrade Arena Simulation to version 16.20.11 or later
Long-term hardening
0/4HARDENINGApply Rockwell Automation security best practices (see advisory SD1763)
HARDENINGIsolate Arena Simulation workstations from direct internet access and place them behind a firewall
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to separate simulation engineering workstations from business networks and control system networks
HARDENINGEducate users not to open attachments or click links in unsolicited email messages, as social engineering may be used to deliver malicious files
CVEs (1)
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