High

SYSTEM-level Code Execution via Python Scripting in Ignition SCADA

IdentifiersCVE-2025-13911CWE-250· Execution with Unnecessary…

CVE-2025-13911 is a vulnerability in Inductive Automation Ignition SCADA software (versions 8.1.x and 8.3.x) that allows authenticated administrators to upload malicious project files containing Python scripts. Due to insufficient restrictions on which Python libraries can be imported and executed, and because the Ignition service account is granted excessive system permissions, these scripts are executed with the privileges of the Ignition Gateway process—typically SYSTEM-level on Windows. This enables arbitrary code execution at the highest privilege level on affected hosts. The vulnerability is associated with CWE-250 (Execution with Unnecessary Privileges).

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows an attacker with administrative access to the Ignition SCADA application to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level privileges on Windows hosts. This could result in full system compromise, lateral movement, persistence, or disruption of critical infrastructure operations in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and IT.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

Minimize network exposure of Ignition SCADA systems, isolate control systems from business networks, and use secure remote access methods (e.g., VPNs) with caution. Implement defense-in-depth strategies, monitor for suspicious activity, and restrict administrative access to trusted personnel only. Regularly audit service account privileges and scripting capabilities.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Apply vendor patches or updates that restrict the permissions of the Ignition service account and enforce proper controls on Python scripting, such as whitelisting allowed libraries and restricting script execution privileges. Follow vendor and CISA guidance for securing SCADA environments.

PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

No public exploits tracked yet. Mallory keeps watching.

VALID 0 / 0 TOTALView more in app

No public exploit code observed for this vulnerability.

ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

2 sources tracked across advisories and community write-ups. News coverage will land here when it surfaces.

2 SOURCESView more in app

No news coverage yet. Advisories and community discussion only.

What this page doesn’t show

The version that knows your environment.

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Exposure mapping

Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.

Threat actor evidence

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity1

Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.

EXTERNAL REFERENCES

MITRE CVE

cve.org · CVE-2025-13911

NVD

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-13911

MITRE CWE · CWE-250

Execution with Unnecessary Privileges

github.com

github.com/cisagov/CSAF/blob/develop/csaf_files/OT/white/2025/icsa-25-352-01.json

security.inductiveautomation.com

cisa.gov

cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-352-01