---
title: "ABB B&R PVI Vulnerability Exposes Sensitive Data in Log Files"
short_title: "ABB B&R PVI flaw leaks sensitive log data"
description: "ABB patches a medium-severity vulnerability (CVE-2026-0936) in B&R PVI software that could expose sensitive information in log files. Update now to secure systems."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2024-10-02
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [abb, pvi, cve-2026-0936, industrial-security, data-leak]
score: 0.65
cve_ids: [CVE-2026-0936]
---
## TL;DR
ABB has released a patch for a medium-severity vulnerability (CVE-2026-0936) in its B&R PVI software. The flaw could allow authenticated local attackers to access sensitive information stored in log files. Logging is disabled by default, but users who enable it must apply the update and follow mitigation steps to prevent exposure.
Main Content
ABB has addressed a security vulnerability in its B&R Process Visualization Interface (PVI) software that could expose sensitive information in log files. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2026-0936, affects PVI versions prior to 6.5.0 and has been rated as medium severity with a CVSS score of 5.0. While logging is disabled by default, organizations that enable it for troubleshooting or debugging purposes are at risk of exposing critical data.
### Key Points
- Vulnerability: CVE-2026-0936 allows authenticated local attackers to access sensitive information stored in PVI client application log files.
- Affected Versions: PVI versions earlier than 6.5.0.
- Severity: Medium (CVSS 5.0).
- Mitigation: ABB has released PVI 6.5.0 to fix the issue. Users are advised to update immediately and follow best practices for secure logging.
- Impact: Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, though logging must be manually enabled for the vulnerability to be exploitable.
### Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from an Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File issue (CWE-532). When logging is enabled in the PVI client application, sensitive data processed by the software may be inadvertently written to log files. An authenticated local attacker with access to these logs could extract credentials or other critical information.
Key Technical Aspects:
- Logging Default: Disabled by default in all PVI client versions.
- Exploitation Requirements: Logging must be explicitly enabled by the user, and the attacker must have local access to the system.
- Vector: Local attack vector (AV:L) with low attack complexity (AC:L).
- Impact: High confidentiality impact (C:H), with no integrity or availability impact.
### Impact Assessment
While the vulnerability is classified as medium severity, its impact on critical infrastructure sectors—particularly energy—cannot be overlooked. ABB’s PVI software is deployed worldwide, and organizations relying on it for industrial automation must take proactive steps to secure their systems.
Potential Risks:
- Unauthorized access to sensitive credentials or system information.
- Increased attack surface for local threat actors.
- Compliance violations if log files containing sensitive data are mishandled.
### Mitigation Steps
ABB has provided the following recommendations to mitigate the risk:
1. Apply the Update:
- Upgrade to PVI 6.5.0 or later, which resolves the vulnerability. The update is included in the Automation Studio installation package.
2. Secure Logging Practices:
- Enable logging only when necessary for troubleshooting or debugging.
- Restrict access to log file directories to authorized users only.
- Securely delete log files after they are no longer needed.
3. General Security Recommendations:
- Follow ABB’s general security guidelines for industrial control systems (ICS).
- Isolate control system networks from business networks using firewalls.
- Use secure remote access methods, such as VPNs, and ensure they are up to date.
### Affected Systems
- Product: ABB B&R PVI (Process Visualization Interface)
- Affected Versions: All versions prior to 6.5.0.
- Fixed Version: PVI 6.5.0
## Conclusion
ABB’s patch for CVE-2026-0936 addresses a critical gap in the security of its PVI software. While the vulnerability requires specific conditions to be exploitable, organizations must act swiftly to apply the update and enforce secure logging practices. Given the software’s widespread use in energy and industrial sectors, proactive measures are essential to prevent potential data leaks and maintain operational security.
For more details, refer to ABB’s official advisory and CISA’s recommendations on securing industrial control systems.
## References
[^1]: ABB PSIRT. "Security Advisory SA26P001". Retrieved 2024-10-02.
[^2]: CISA. "ICS Advisory ICSA-26-125-02". Retrieved 2024-10-02.
[^3]: MITRE. "CWE-532: Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File". Retrieved 2024-10-02.