How severe is CVE-2020-12497?

CVE-2020-12497 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-12497 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 15% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-12497?

CVE-2020-12497 primarily affects Phoenixcontact Pc Worx. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-12497?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2020-12497 published?

CVE-2020-12497 was published on 2020-07-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-12497

CVE-2020-12497 is a high-severity vulnerability in Phoenixcontact Pc Worx with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 15% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-787.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 15% (96th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-787
Affected product: Phoenixcontact Pc Worx
Published: 2020-07-01
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

PLCopen XML file parsing in Phoenix Contact PC Worx and PC Worx Express version 1.87 and earlier can lead to a stack-based overflow. Manipulated PC Worx projects could lead to a remote code execution due to insufficient input data validation.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-12497?: PLCopen XML file parsing in Phoenix Contact PC Worx and PC Worx Express version 1.87 and earlier can lead to a stack-based overflow. Manipulated PC Worx projects could lead to a remote code execution due to insufficient input data validation.
How severe is CVE-2020-12497?: CVE-2020-12497 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-12497 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 15% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-12497?: CVE-2020-12497 primarily affects Phoenixcontact Pc Worx. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-12497?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2020-12497 published?: CVE-2020-12497 was published on 2020-07-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:phoenixcontact:pc_worx:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:phoenixcontact:pc_worx_express:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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