CVE-2025-30033 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) affecting Siemens Automation License Manager V6.0. The issue arises from the setup component's improper handling of DLL search paths, enabling DLL hijacking. When a legitimate user installs an application that relies on this setup component, an attacker with local access can place a malicious DLL in a location that the installer searches before the legitimate DLL, causing the malicious code to execute with the user's privileges. This attack vector requires user interaction (installation process) but does not require prior privileges or elevated access, making it accessible to a broader range of threat actors. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as arbitrary code execution can lead to data theft, system manipulation, or denial of service. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability's presence in Siemens Automation License Manager—a critical tool in industrial automation environments—makes it a significant risk. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, with local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Siemens has not yet published patches, so mitigation relies on interim controls. The vulnerability was reserved in March 2025 and published in August 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, especially those in industrial sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities, this vulnerability poses a serious risk. Siemens Automation License Manager is widely used across Europe to manage software licenses for automation products, making the affected component prevalent in critical infrastructure environments. Exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code during software installation, potentially leading to unauthorized access, manipulation of industrial control systems, theft of sensitive operational data, or disruption of production processes. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, which could translate into operational downtime, financial losses, safety hazards, and reputational damage. Given the reliance on Siemens products in countries with advanced industrial bases, the threat could affect supply chains and critical infrastructure resilience. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where insider threats or social engineering are concerns.

Organizations should immediately review and restrict the DLL search paths used by the Siemens Automation License Manager setup component to prevent loading of unauthorized DLLs. Until Siemens releases an official patch, implement application whitelisting to ensure only trusted installers and DLLs are executed. Enforce strict user privilege management to limit installation capabilities to trusted personnel. Educate users about the risks of executing unverified installers and the importance of verifying software sources. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious DLL loading behaviors during installations. Regularly audit systems for unauthorized DLLs in directories commonly used during installation. Coordinate with Siemens for timely patch deployment once available and test patches in controlled environments before widespread rollout. Consider network segmentation to isolate critical industrial systems from general IT environments, reducing the risk of lateral movement if exploitation occurs.