---
title: "Critical CSRF Vulnerability in OpenPLC_V3 Threatens Industrial Systems"
short_title: "OpenPLC_V3 CSRF flaw exposes industrial systems"
description: "A critical CSRF vulnerability (CVE-2025-13970) in OpenPLC_V3 could allow attackers to alter PLC settings or upload malicious programs. Learn how to mitigate risks now."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2025-01-24
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [csrf, openplc_v3, cve-2025-13970, industrial-security, plc]
score: 0.78
cve_ids: [CVE-2025-13970]
---
TL;DR
A critical Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in OpenPLC_V3 (CVE-2025-13970) allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate PLC settings or upload malicious programs by tricking logged-in administrators. Affecting industries like manufacturing, energy, and water systems, this flaw demands immediate patching and defensive measures to prevent disruption or damage.
---
Main Content
Critical CSRF Flaw in OpenPLC_V3 Puts Industrial Systems at Risk
Industrial control systems (ICS) are the backbone of critical infrastructure, powering everything from manufacturing plants to water treatment facilities. A newly discovered Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in OpenPLC_V3, a widely used open-source programmable logic controller (PLC), threatens to undermine the security of these systems. Tracked as CVE-2025-13970, this flaw could enable attackers to remotely alter PLC configurations or deploy malicious programs, leading to catastrophic consequences.
---
Key Points
- Vulnerability Type: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) (CWE-352).
- Affected Software: OpenPLC_V3 versions prior to pull request #310.
- CVSS Scores:
- v3.1: 8.0 (High)
- v4.0: 7.0 (High)
- Exploitation Risk: Remote exploitation possible with high attack complexity.
- Impact: Unauthorized modification of PLC settings or upload of malicious programs.
- Critical Sectors: Manufacturing, energy, transportation, and water/wastewater systems.
---
Technical Details
#### Affected Products
The vulnerability impacts OpenPLC_V3 versions released before pull request #310. Users are urged to update to the latest version to mitigate risks.
#### Vulnerability Overview
OpenPLC_V3 lacks proper CSRF validation, making it susceptible to attacks. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by tricking a logged-in administrator into clicking a maliciously crafted link. Once exploited, the attacker can:
- Modify PLC settings.
- Upload and execute malicious programs.
- Disrupt or damage connected industrial systems.
The CVE-2025-13970 vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.0 and a CVSS v4.0 score of 7.0, reflecting its high severity and potential impact.
#### Background
OpenPLC_V3 is deployed across critical infrastructure sectors, including:
- Critical Manufacturing
- Energy
- Transportation Systems
- Water and Wastewater Systems
The software is used worldwide, with its development headquarters located in the United States.
#### Researchers
The vulnerability was reported by Muhammad Ali and Anthony Marrongelli of the University of Central Florida (UCF) to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
---
Impact Assessment
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could have severe consequences for industrial operations:
- Operational Disruption: Unauthorized changes to PLC settings could halt production lines or cause equipment malfunctions.
- Safety Risks: Malicious programs could compromise safety systems, endangering lives and property.
- Data Integrity: Attackers could manipulate process data, leading to incorrect decision-making or regulatory violations.
- Financial Losses: Downtime, repairs, and regulatory fines could result in significant financial costs.
Given the global deployment of OpenPLC_V3, the potential for widespread impact is high, particularly in sectors reliant on industrial automation.
---
Mitigation Steps
#### Immediate Actions
1. Update OpenPLC_V3: Apply pull request #310 or later from the [official GitHub repository](https://github.com/thiagoralves/OpenPLC_v3).
2. Network Segmentation: Isolate control system networks from business networks using firewalls.
3. Minimize Exposure: Ensure control system devices are not accessible from the internet.
4. Secure Remote Access: Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for remote access, keeping them updated to the latest version.
#### Long-Term Strategies
- Defensive Measures: Follow CISA’s [recommended practices for ICS security](https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/ics-recommended-practices).
- Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough impact analysis and risk assessment before deploying defensive measures.
- Monitoring: Implement intrusion detection systems to identify and respond to suspicious activity.
- Employee Training: Educate staff on recognizing phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics used in CSRF attacks.
CISA provides additional resources, including:
- [Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies](https://us-cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/recommended_practices/NCCIC_ICS-CERT_Defense_in_Depth_2016_S508C.pdf)
- [Cybersecurity Best Practices for Industrial Control Systems](https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Cybersecurity_Best_Practices_for_Industrial_Control_Systems.pdf)
---
Conclusion
The CSRF vulnerability in OpenPLC_V3 (CVE-2025-13970) poses a significant threat to industrial systems worldwide. While no public exploitation has been reported yet, the high severity of this flaw demands immediate action. Organizations must prioritize patching, network segmentation, and defensive strategies to mitigate risks and protect critical infrastructure from potential attacks.
Stay vigilant, update systems promptly, and adhere to best practices to safeguard against evolving cyber threats.
---
References
[^1]: CISA. "[ICS Advisory (ICSA-25-345-10) - OpenPLC_V3](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-345-10)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^2]: MITRE. "[CWE-352: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/352.html)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^3]: OpenPLC_V3 GitHub Repository. "[Pull Request #310](https://github.com/thiagoralves/OpenPLC_v3)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.