CVE-2025-24479: Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE-2025-24479 Overview

A Local Code Execution Vulnerability has been identified in Rockwell Automation products. The vulnerability arises from a default setting in Windows that allows unauthorized access to the Command Prompt as a higher privileged user. This flaw can be exploited by local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

Critical Impact

Local attackers can exploit default Windows settings to gain elevated Command Prompt access, enabling arbitrary code execution with higher privileges on affected industrial automation systems.

Affected Products

• Rockwell Automation products (specific versions listed in vendor advisory)

Discovery Timeline

• January 28, 2025 - CVE-2025-24479 published to NVD
• January 28, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-24479

Vulnerability Analysis

This local code execution vulnerability is classified under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization). The flaw stems from improper authorization controls related to default Windows settings within affected Rockwell Automation products. When exploited, an attacker with local access can leverage these misconfigured defaults to access the Command Prompt with elevated privileges, bypassing intended security boundaries.

The vulnerability requires local access to the system but does not require any user interaction or prior privileges to exploit. Once exploited, an attacker gains the ability to execute commands with higher privileges than their current authorization level should permit, potentially allowing full control over the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is an incorrect authorization implementation (CWE-863) stemming from default Windows settings in the affected product. The product fails to properly restrict access to the Command Prompt, allowing users to execute commands with elevated privileges. This represents a fundamental access control failure where the product inherits or relies upon insecure default configurations.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have physical or remote desktop access to the affected system. The exploitation path involves:

1. An attacker gains local access to a system running the vulnerable Rockwell Automation product
2. The attacker leverages the default Windows setting misconfiguration
3. Access to Command Prompt is obtained with elevated privileges
4. Arbitrary commands can then be executed with higher privileges than the attacker's original access level

The vulnerability does not require any special prerequisites such as authentication credentials or user interaction, making it relatively straightforward to exploit once local access is obtained.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24479

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected Command Prompt processes (cmd.exe) running with SYSTEM or Administrator privileges
• Process creation events showing privilege escalation patterns from standard user to elevated contexts
• Anomalous parent-child process relationships involving Command Prompt execution
• Audit logs showing unauthorized access attempts to privileged command-line interfaces

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for unusual cmd.exe process creation events, particularly those spawned by unexpected parent processes
• Implement process behavior monitoring to detect privilege escalation attempts
• Deploy endpoint detection rules to identify Command Prompt access patterns indicative of exploitation
• Review Windows Security Event logs (Event ID 4688) for suspicious process creation with elevated tokens

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable command-line auditing in Windows to capture all process command-line arguments
• Configure SIEM rules to alert on privilege escalation patterns involving command-line interpreters
• Implement behavioral analytics to detect deviation from normal user activity baselines
• Monitor for process execution chains that indicate exploitation of authorization bypass vulnerabilities

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24479

Immediate Actions Required

• Review and apply the security guidance provided in Rockwell Automation Security Advisory SD1719
• Restrict physical and remote access to affected systems to authorized personnel only
• Implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general enterprise networks
• Review and harden Windows default settings on affected systems per vendor recommendations

Patch Information

Rockwell Automation has published a security advisory (SD1719) addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the official security advisory for specific patch information, affected product versions, and detailed remediation guidance. Apply all vendor-recommended patches and configuration changes as soon as possible.

Workarounds

• Modify default Windows settings to restrict Command Prompt access as recommended in the vendor advisory
• Implement least-privilege access controls to limit user permissions on affected systems
• Deploy application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized command-line interpreter execution
• Enable and enforce Windows Defender Credential Guard where supported to protect elevated credentials

# Verify Command Prompt access restrictions (example audit check)
# Review local security policy for command prompt restrictions
secpol.msc
# Navigate to: Local Policies > User Rights Assignment
# Audit "Access this computer from the network" and related policies