How severe is CVE-2020-25238?

CVE-2020-25238 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-25238 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (54th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-25238?

CVE-2020-25238 primarily affects Siemens Simatic Process Control System Neo. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-25238?

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-2020-25238 published?

CVE-2020-25238 was published on 2021-02-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-25238

CVE-2020-25238 is a high-severity vulnerability in Siemens Simatic Process Control System Neo with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-427.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (54th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-427
Affected product: Siemens Simatic Process Control System Neo
Published: 2021-02-09
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A vulnerability has been identified in PCS neo (Administration Console) (All versions < V3.1), TIA Portal (V15, V15.1 and V16). Manipulating certain files in specific folders could allow a local attacker to execute code with SYSTEM privileges. The security vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker with a valid account and limited access rights on the system.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-25238?: A vulnerability has been identified in PCS neo (Administration Console) (All versions < V3.1), TIA Portal (V15, V15.1 and V16). Manipulating certain files in specific folders could allow a local attacker to execute code with SYSTEM privileges. The security vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker with a valid account and limited access rights on the system.
How severe is CVE-2020-25238?: CVE-2020-25238 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-25238 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (54th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-25238?: CVE-2020-25238 primarily affects Siemens Simatic Process Control System Neo. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-25238?: 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-2020-25238 published?: CVE-2020-25238 was published on 2021-02-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:a:siemens:simatic_process_control_system_neo:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:siemens:totally_integrated_automation_portal:15:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:siemens:totally_integrated_automation_portal:15.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:siemens:totally_integrated_automation_portal:16:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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