---
title: "Critical Vulnerability in Schneider Electric Foxboro DCS Advisor: Patch Now"
short_title: "Critical flaw in Schneider Electric Foxboro DCS Advisor"
description: "Schneider Electric warns of a critical deserialization vulnerability (CVE-2025-59287) in Foxboro DCS Advisor. Learn how to mitigate risks and protect systems."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2025-01-24
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [schneider electric, cve-2025-59287, wsus, critical vulnerability, industrial cybersecurity]
score: 0.92
cve_ids: [CVE-2025-59287]
---
TL;DR
Schneider Electric has disclosed a critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-59287) in its EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS Advisor, stemming from a flaw in Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). The vulnerability could enable remote code execution (RCE) with system-level privileges, posing severe risks to industrial control systems. Immediate patching and mitigation steps are essential to prevent exploitation.
---
Main Content
Introduction
Schneider Electric has issued an urgent advisory regarding a critical security vulnerability in its EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS Advisor, an optional component of the EcoStruxure Foxboro Distributed Control System (DCS). The flaw, identified as CVE-2025-59287, originates from Microsoft’s Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and involves the deserialization of untrusted data. If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute remote code with system-level privileges, compromising entire industrial operations. Organizations using affected systems must act swiftly to apply patches and implement recommended security measures.
---
Key Points
- Critical Vulnerability: CVE-2025-59287 affects Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS Advisor, enabling remote code execution (RCE) with system-level privileges.
- Affected Systems: The flaw impacts servers running Microsoft WSUS as part of the Foxboro DCS Advisor services, which monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) in industrial environments.
- Severity: The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8 (Critical), reflecting its potential for widespread damage in critical infrastructure sectors like energy and manufacturing.
- Mitigation: Schneider Electric and Microsoft have released patches (KB5070882 and KB5070884) to address the issue. Rebooting systems may be required to complete the update.
- Global Impact: Deployed worldwide, the affected systems are used in critical manufacturing and energy sectors, making this a high-priority issue for industrial cybersecurity.
---
Technical Details
#### Vulnerability Overview
The vulnerability (CVE-2025-59287) is rooted in the deserialization of untrusted data within Microsoft’s WSUS application. Deserialization flaws occur when an application processes maliciously crafted data, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. In this case, the flaw could be exploited to gain unauthorized system-level access to servers running Schneider Electric’s Foxboro DCS Advisor.
#### Affected Products
- Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS Advisor: All versions utilizing Microsoft WSUS for updates are vulnerable.
#### CVSS Metrics
| CVSS Version | Base Score | Severity | Vector String |
|--------------|------------|-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3.1 | 9.8 | CRITICAL | [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H](https://www.first.org/cvss/calculator/3.1#CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) |
The vector string indicates that the vulnerability is exploitable remotely with no authentication required, making it particularly dangerous for exposed systems.
---
Impact Assessment
#### Potential Risks
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): Attackers could exploit the vulnerability to execute malicious code on affected systems, potentially taking full control of industrial processes.
- System-Level Privileges: Successful exploitation could grant attackers administrative access, allowing them to disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, or deploy ransomware.
- Critical Infrastructure Threat: The flaw affects sectors like energy and manufacturing, where disruptions could lead to significant financial losses, safety hazards, or environmental damage.
#### Targeted Sectors
- Critical Manufacturing: Industrial control systems (ICS) in manufacturing plants are at risk.
- Energy: Power generation and distribution facilities using Foxboro DCS systems could be compromised.
---
Mitigation Steps
Schneider Electric and Microsoft have released patches to address CVE-2025-59287. Organizations must take the following steps to mitigate risks:
1. Apply Patches Immediately:
- Install Microsoft Patch KB5070882 or KB5070884 via WSUS. A system reboot may be required to complete the update.
- Contact [Schneider Electric Global Customer Support](https://pasupport.se.com/home) to verify patch installation.
2. Isolate Critical Systems:
- Locate control and safety system networks behind firewalls and isolate them from business networks.
- Ensure industrial control systems (ICS) are not accessible from the internet.
3. Secure Remote Access:
- Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for remote access, ensuring they are updated to the latest version.
- Recognize that VPNs are only as secure as the devices connected to them.
4. Physical Security Measures:
- Restrict physical access to controllers and industrial systems.
- Store controllers in locked cabinets and avoid leaving them in "Program" mode.
5. Scan Mobile Devices:
- Scan all mobile data exchange methods (e.g., USB drives, CDs) before use in isolated networks.
6. Follow Best Practices:
- Refer to Schneider Electric’s [Recommended Cybersecurity Best Practices](https://www.se.com/us/en/download/document/7EN52-0390/) for additional guidance.
---
Affected Systems
- Product: Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS Advisor
- Vendor: Schneider Electric
- Status: Fixed (patches available) and known affected versions
- Deployment: Worldwide, particularly in critical manufacturing and energy sectors
---
Conclusion
The CVE-2025-59287 vulnerability in Schneider Electric’s Foxboro DCS Advisor poses a critical threat to industrial control systems, particularly in energy and manufacturing sectors. With a CVSS score of 9.8, the flaw enables remote code execution and could grant attackers system-level privileges. Organizations must apply patches immediately, isolate critical systems, and follow cybersecurity best practices to mitigate risks.
For further assistance, contact [Schneider Electric Industrial Cybersecurity Services](https://www.se.com/ww/en/work/solutions/cybersecurity/) or visit their [cybersecurity support portal](https://www.se.com/ww/en/work/support/cybersecurity/overview.jsp).
---
References
[^1]: Schneider Electric. "[EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS System](https://www.se.com/ww/en/work/products/industrial-automation-control/foxboro-dcs/)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^2]: Microsoft. "[CVE-2025-59287 - Microsoft Security Response Center](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-59287)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^3]: CISA. "[ICSA-25-352-02: Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS Advisor](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-352-02)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^4]: Schneider Electric. "[Recommended Cybersecurity Best Practices](https://www.se.com/us/en/download/document/7EN52-0390/)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.