CVE-2026-9108 in Studio 5000 Logix Designer
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
A path traversal security issue exists within Studio 5000 Logix Designer® due to improper limitation of file paths within ACD project files. The software does not sanitize or validate file names embedded in the ACD file structure during the project opening procedure, allowing path traversal sequences to escape the intended extraction directory. If exploited, an attacker could craft a malicious ACD project file that results in arbitrary files being written to attacker-controlled locations on the file system, potentially leading to code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
The vulnerability under discussion represents a critical path traversal flaw within Studio 5000 Logix Designer®, a widely used industrial automation software developed by Rockwell Automation. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's handling of ACD project files, which are essential components for storing and managing industrial control system configurations. The vulnerability manifests specifically during the project opening process when the software processes embedded file paths without proper restriction or sanitization measures, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate the file extraction behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted ACD project files that contain malicious path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ in their embedded file names. When the software attempts to extract these files, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the paths, allowing the traversal sequences to escape the intended extraction directory and write files to arbitrary locations on the target system. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerability classification, which specifically addresses improper restriction of pathname characters that enables access to files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability leverages standard operating system path resolution mechanisms to bypass normal file system security boundaries, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where software execution privileges may be elevated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it creates a potential code execution vector that could severely compromise industrial control systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could write malicious executables, configuration files, or other harmful content to critical system locations, potentially leading to system compromise, process disruption, or even physical safety hazards in industrial environments. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that ACD project files are commonly shared between engineering teams and may be inadvertently opened by unsuspecting users, making this a vector for both targeted attacks and accidental system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the exploitation could enable adversaries to execute malicious code through manipulated file operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the software's file handling processes, ensuring that all embedded paths are properly validated against a whitelist of acceptable characters and directory structures. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running Studio 5000 Logix Designer, while also establishing strict file validation procedures for incoming ACD project files. The recommended approach includes implementing proper path normalization techniques that eliminate traversal sequences before any file operations occur, combined with privilege separation mechanisms that prevent the software from writing to critical system directories. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied promptly, as this vulnerability represents a known weakness that vendors typically address through software updates that include enhanced file validation routines and improved path handling mechanisms.