---
title: "Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Flaw Allows Privilege Escalation: Patch Now"
short_title: "Schneider Electric EcoStruxure privilege escalation flaw"
description: "Schneider Electric warns of a high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2025-13905) in EcoStruxure Process Expert. Learn how to mitigate privilege escalation risks."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2025-01-24
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [schneider electric, ecostruxure, cve-2025-13905, privilege escalation, ics security]
score: 0.78
cve_ids: [CVE-2025-13905]
---
TL;DR
Schneider Electric has disclosed a high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2025-13905) in its EcoStruxure Process Expert and EcoStruxure Process Expert for AVEVA System Platform products. The flaw, stemming from incorrect default permissions, could allow local attackers to escalate privileges by modifying executable binaries. Users are urged to apply the latest patch or follow recommended mitigations to reduce exploitation risks.
---
Main Content
Introduction
Schneider Electric, a global leader in industrial automation and digitization, has issued an urgent advisory regarding a privilege escalation vulnerability in its EcoStruxure Process Expert suite. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-13905, affects versions prior to 2025 and poses significant risks to critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, manufacturing, and commercial facilities. If exploited, attackers could modify executable binaries, leading to unauthorized system access and potential operational disruptions.
---
Key Points
- Vulnerability ID: CVE-2025-13905 (CVSS 7.3, High Severity)
- Affected Products: EcoStruxure Process Expert (versions prior to 2025) and EcoStruxure Process Expert for AVEVA System Platform
- Root Cause: Incorrect Default Permissions (CWE-276) enabling local users to modify executable service binaries
- Impact: Privilege escalation via reverse shell upon service restart
- Mitigation: Apply version 2025 or follow Schneider Electric’s recommended security practices
---
Technical Details
The vulnerability, CVE-2025-13905, is classified under CWE-276: Incorrect Default Permissions. It allows a local user with normal privileges to modify executable service binaries in the installation folder. When the affected service restarts, these modifications can trigger a reverse shell, granting the attacker elevated privileges.
#### CVSS Metrics
- Base Score: 7.3 (High)
- Vector String: `CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H`
- Impact: High confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks
---
Impact Assessment
The flaw primarily threatens industrial control systems (ICS) deployed in critical sectors such as:
- Critical Manufacturing
- Energy
- Commercial Facilities
Given the worldwide deployment of Schneider Electric’s solutions, the vulnerability could have far-reaching consequences, including:
- Unauthorized system access
- Operational disruptions
- Data breaches or manipulation of industrial processes
---
Mitigation Steps
Schneider Electric has released version 2025 of EcoStruxure Process Expert, which includes a fix for CVE-2025-13905. Users are advised to:
1. Upgrade Immediately: Download and install [EcoStruxure Process Expert 2025](https://www.se.com/ww/en/product-range/65406-ecostruxure-process-expert).
2. Apply Workarounds:
- Enable application whitelisting to restrict unauthorized executions. [Learn more](https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/EIO0000004778/).
- Restrict system access to authorized users only.
3. Isolate Critical Systems: Follow [Schneider Electric’s cybersecurity best practices](https://www.se.com/us/en/download/document/7EN52-0390/) to minimize exposure.
---
Affected Systems
| Vendor | Product | Affected Versions |
|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Schneider Electric | EcoStruxure Process Expert | Versions prior to 2025 |
| Schneider Electric | EcoStruxure Process Expert for AVEVA System Platform | All versions (remediation in progress) |
---
Conclusion
The CVE-2025-13905 vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure default configurations in industrial automation systems. Organizations using Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Process Expert must patch immediately or implement mitigations to prevent privilege escalation attacks. Proactive measures, such as application whitelisting and access controls, are essential to safeguarding critical infrastructure from emerging threats.
For further assistance, contact [Schneider Electric’s cybersecurity support team](https://www.se.com/ww/en/work/support/cybersecurity/overview.jsp).
---
References
[^1]: Schneider Electric. "[EcoStruxure Process Expert Vulnerability Advisory](https://github.com/cisagov/CSAF/blob/develop/csaf_files/OT/white/2026/icsa-26-022-01.json)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^2]: CISA. "[ICSA-26-022-01: Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Process Expert](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-022-01)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^3]: MITRE. "[CWE-276: Incorrect Default Permissions](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/276.html)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.