CVE-2026-9128: CWE-428: Unquoted Search Path or Element in Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 Logix Designer
A code execution security issue exists within Studio 5000 Logix Designer® due to an unquoted search path in the External Tools configuration. The executable paths specified in the external tools configuration file are not properly quoted, and because these paths contain spaces, the operating system may resolve them to unintended executables placed earlier in the search order. If exploited, an attacker could plant a malicious executable in a location within the search path, resulting in arbitrary code execution with the same permissions of the user running the application.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability arises from unquoted executable paths in the External Tools configuration file of Studio 5000 Logix Designer. Because these paths include spaces and are not properly quoted, the operating system may execute malicious executables placed in locations earlier in the search path. An attacker who can plant such a malicious executable could achieve arbitrary code execution under the context of the logged-in user. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 7.3, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, high attack complexity, partial privileges required, and user interaction needed.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the same permissions as the user running Studio 5000 Logix Designer. This can lead to unauthorized actions on the affected system, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality depending on user privileges.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, users should be cautious about the locations of executables in their search path and avoid running the application with elevated privileges. Review and correct the External Tools configuration to ensure executable paths are properly quoted if possible.
CVE-2026-9128: CWE-428: Unquoted Search Path or Element in Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 Logix Designer
Description
A code execution security issue exists within Studio 5000 Logix Designer® due to an unquoted search path in the External Tools configuration. The executable paths specified in the external tools configuration file are not properly quoted, and because these paths contain spaces, the operating system may resolve them to unintended executables placed earlier in the search order. If exploited, an attacker could plant a malicious executable in a location within the search path, resulting in arbitrary code execution with the same permissions of the user running the application.
CVSS v4.0
Score 7.3high
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability arises from unquoted executable paths in the External Tools configuration file of Studio 5000 Logix Designer. Because these paths include spaces and are not properly quoted, the operating system may execute malicious executables placed in locations earlier in the search path. An attacker who can plant such a malicious executable could achieve arbitrary code execution under the context of the logged-in user. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 7.3, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, high attack complexity, partial privileges required, and user interaction needed.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the same permissions as the user running Studio 5000 Logix Designer. This can lead to unauthorized actions on the affected system, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality depending on user privileges.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, users should be cautious about the locations of executables in their search path and avoid running the application with elevated privileges. Review and correct the External Tools configuration to ensure executable paths are properly quoted if possible.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Rockwell
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-20T17:48:35.972Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a565a3f68715ace43c7b7d8
Added to database: 07/14/2026, 15:48:15 UTC
Last enriched: 07/14/2026, 16:04:16 UTC
Last updated: 08/26/2026, 10:52:11 UTC
Views: 80
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