---
title: "Schneider Electric Foxboro DCS Vulnerability Exposes Critical Systems to Attacks"
short_title: "Foxboro DCS vulnerability risks critical systems"
description: "Schneider Electric warns of a medium-severity vulnerability in EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS. Learn about affected systems, mitigation steps, and security best practices."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2025-01-24
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [schneider electric, ecostruxure foxboro dcs, cve-2018-12130, side-channel attack, industrial cybersecurity]
score: 0.65
cve_ids: [CVE-2018-12130]
---
TL;DR
Schneider Electric has disclosed a vulnerability (CVE-2018-12130) in its EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS systems, which could allow authenticated users to enable information disclosure via a side-channel attack. Affected systems include virtualization servers and standard workstations. Immediate patching and mitigation steps are recommended to prevent potential unauthorized access or system disruption.
---
Main Content
Introduction
Schneider Electric, a global leader in industrial automation and digitization, has issued an advisory regarding a medium-severity vulnerability in its EcoStruxure Foxboro Distributed Control System (DCS). The flaw, identified as CVE-2018-12130, stems from an Intel processor vulnerability and could expose critical infrastructure systems to information disclosure risks. This article explores the affected systems, technical details, impact assessment, and recommended mitigation strategies.
---
Key Points
- Vulnerability Identified: CVE-2018-12130, a side-channel vulnerability in Intel processors, affects Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS systems.
- Affected Systems: Virtualization servers and standard workstations running specific versions of the Foxboro DCS.
- Risk Level: Medium severity (CVSS 6.5), but exploitation could lead to unauthorized access or system malfunction.
- Mitigation: Schneider Electric recommends upgrading to the latest hardware versions and applying BIOS and OS security patches.
- Industries Impacted: Critical manufacturing, energy, and commercial facilities worldwide.
---
Technical Details
The vulnerability, CVE-2018-12130, is a side-channel attack that exploits flaws in Intel Xeon processors (Silver 4110 and W-2123 and prior). In the context of EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS, an authenticated user with local access could leverage this flaw to disclose sensitive information, potentially compromising system integrity or availability.
#### Affected Products
The following EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS components are impacted:
- Virtualization Server (V91)
- Standard Workstation (H92)
---
Impact Assessment
While the vulnerability is rated as medium severity (CVSS 6.5), its exploitation could have severe consequences for industrial environments:
- Information Disclosure: Unauthorized access to sensitive system data.
- System Disruption: Potential loss of functionality in critical control systems.
- Operational Risks: Compromised systems could lead to downtime or safety incidents in industrial facilities.
Given the global deployment of Foxboro DCS in sectors like energy, manufacturing, and commercial facilities, the implications of this vulnerability are far-reaching.
---
Mitigation Steps
Schneider Electric has provided the following remediation and mitigation strategies:
#### Vendor Fix
- Upgrade to the latest Foxboro server (V95) and Dell D96 workstations.
- Contact your local Schneider Electric Service Representative or the Global Customer Support Center for migration assistance.
🔗 [Schneider Electric Support Portal](https://pasupport.schneider-electric.com/home2020.asp?code=i1swrtYD1O7YcWYkLo5iZJHxEEY9U-agDBBtcLSP7EXks)
#### Mitigation Measures
If immediate upgrades are not feasible:
1. Apply BIOS and OS Security Patches: These patches significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.
🔗 [Additional Information](https://se.my.site.com/PAkb/s/article/KA000127385)
2. Implement Defense-in-Depth Strategies: Follow Schneider Electric’s General Security Recommendations for DCS systems.
🔗 [Security Best Practices Guide](https://pasupport.schneider-electric.com/Content/Documents/IASeries/b0700_lastrev/b0700hz_f.pdf)
---
Affected Systems
| Component | Affected Versions |
|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Virtualization Server | V91 |
| Standard Workstation | H92 |
---
General Security Recommendations
To minimize risks, Schneider Electric advises organizations to adopt the following cybersecurity best practices:
- Network Isolation: Locate control and safety system networks behind firewalls and isolate them from business networks.
- Physical Security: Restrict access to industrial control systems, components, and peripheral equipment.
- Secure Programming: Never leave controllers in "Program" mode and avoid connecting programming software to unintended networks.
- Mobile Device Security: Scan all mobile data exchange methods (e.g., USB drives, CDs) before use in isolated networks.
- Remote Access: Use secure methods like VPNs for remote access, ensuring they are updated to the latest versions.
- Minimize Exposure: Ensure control system devices are not accessible via the internet.
For more details, refer to Schneider Electric’s [Recommended Cybersecurity Best Practices](https://www.se.com/us/en/download/document/7EN52-0390/).
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Conclusion
The CVE-2018-12130 vulnerability in Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS highlights the ongoing risks posed by side-channel attacks in industrial control systems. While the vulnerability is rated as medium severity, its potential impact on critical infrastructure underscores the need for proactive patching, network segmentation, and adherence to cybersecurity best practices.
Organizations using affected systems should prioritize upgrades and implement mitigation measures immediately to safeguard their operations. For further assistance, contact Schneider Electric’s Global Customer Support Center or visit their [cybersecurity support portal](https://www.se.com/ww/en/work/support/cybersecurity/overview.jsp).
---
References
[^1]: Schneider Electric. "[EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS Product Overview](https://www.se.com/ww/en/product-range/63680-ecostruxure-foxboro-dcs/#overview)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^2]: CISA. "[ICSA-26-020-01 Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-020-01)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^3]: NIST. "[CVE-2018-12130 Detail](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-12130)". 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.