CVE-2025-9437 identifies a vulnerability in the ArmorStart Add-On Profile (AOP) component of Rockwell Automation's Studio 5000 Logix Designer software, specifically version V2.05.07. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-755, which pertains to improper handling of exceptional conditions. This flaw occurs when the ArmorStart AOP improperly processes invalid input values passed to its Component Object Model (COM) methods. Because these methods do not correctly handle exceptional or unexpected input, an attacker can trigger a denial-of-service (DoS) condition by supplying malformed or invalid data. The vulnerability requires no authentication, user interaction, or privileges to exploit, and can be triggered remotely over the network (CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). The impact is primarily a high-severity DoS, which can disrupt the operation of the ArmorStart Classic distributed motor controller, a device commonly used in industrial automation for motor control. Disruption of these controllers can halt manufacturing processes, cause safety hazards, and lead to operational downtime. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and critical role of the affected systems make this vulnerability a significant risk. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate risk mitigation through network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and error handling in industrial control system software components.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-9437 is a denial-of-service condition affecting the ArmorStart Classic distributed motor controller via the Studio 5000 Logix Designer AOP. For European organizations, especially those in manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors, this can result in operational downtime, production losses, and potential safety incidents due to halted motor control processes. The disruption of motor controllers can cascade into broader industrial control system failures, impacting supply chains and critical services. Given the vulnerability requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely, attackers could leverage it to cause widespread disruption without needing insider access. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits post-disclosure. The high CVSS score (8.7) reflects the significant availability impact and ease of exploitation. Organizations relying on Rockwell Automation products must consider the operational and reputational risks associated with this vulnerability.

1. Monitor Rockwell Automation advisories closely and apply official patches or updates for ArmorStart AOP as soon as they become available. 2. Implement strict network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems and restrict access to the Studio 5000 Logix Designer environment and ArmorStart controllers. 3. Employ firewall rules and intrusion detection/prevention systems to block unauthorized or malformed COM method calls targeting the ArmorStart AOP. 4. Conduct input validation and anomaly detection on data sent to COM interfaces to detect and prevent invalid inputs that could trigger the DoS condition. 5. Limit administrative access to the affected systems to trusted personnel only and enforce multi-factor authentication where possible. 6. Develop and test incident response plans specific to industrial control system disruptions to minimize downtime if exploitation occurs. 7. Perform regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on industrial automation environments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses proactively.