CVE-2025-59776 is a relative path traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-23, discovered in AutomationDirect's Productivity Suite software version 4.4.1.19. The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to exploit the ProductivityService PLC simulator component to create arbitrary directories on the target machine's filesystem. This occurs because the software insufficiently sanitizes user-supplied input paths, enabling directory traversal sequences (e.g., '../') to escape intended directory boundaries. The attacker can remotely send crafted requests to the ProductivityService without requiring authentication or user interaction, leveraging the network-exposed PLC simulator interface. Although the vulnerability does not directly allow arbitrary file writes or code execution, the ability to create directories arbitrarily can be leveraged to manipulate the system's file structure, potentially facilitating further attacks or disrupting normal operations. The CVSS v4.0 score is 6.3 (medium severity), reflecting the network attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and limited impact on integrity but no impact on confidentiality or availability. No patches were listed at the time of publication, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability primarily affects industrial control system environments where Productivity Suite is used for PLC programming and simulation, posing risks to operational integrity and system stability.

For European organizations, especially those involved in industrial automation, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure, this vulnerability presents a tangible risk to operational integrity. The ability for an unauthenticated attacker to create arbitrary directories on systems running Productivity Suite could allow attackers to manipulate the file system structure, potentially disrupting PLC simulation environments or preparing the ground for more advanced attacks such as planting malicious files or interfering with automation workflows. Although the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or availability, the integrity of industrial control processes could be undermined, leading to operational delays, safety risks, or compliance violations. Organizations relying on AutomationDirect's Productivity Suite for PLC programming and simulation in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, energy production, and process industries may face increased risk exposure. The lack of authentication and network accessibility of the vulnerable service heightens the threat, especially in environments where network segmentation or access controls are insufficient. The absence of known exploits currently limits immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation attempts.

1. Immediately restrict network access to the ProductivityService PLC simulator interface by implementing strict firewall rules and network segmentation to limit exposure to trusted hosts only. 2. Monitor system logs and file system changes for unusual directory creation activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. 3. Engage with AutomationDirect to obtain and apply security patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-59776 as soon as they become available. 4. Implement application-layer filtering or intrusion detection systems capable of detecting and blocking path traversal attack patterns targeting the ProductivityService. 5. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on industrial control system components to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. 6. Educate operational technology (OT) and IT teams about the risks of path traversal vulnerabilities and the importance of securing PLC simulation environments. 7. Where possible, isolate PLC simulation environments from general enterprise networks to reduce attack surface. 8. Review and harden configuration settings of Productivity Suite to disable unnecessary services or interfaces that may be exposed externally.