How to Fix CVE-2025-0416: Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Valmet DNA Engineering?

A local privilege escalation vulnerability has been identified in Valmet DNA Engineering, potentially allowing attackers with low-privilege access to gain complete control of affected systems. This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-0416, arises from an insecure DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model) configuration. Security professionals need to understand the implications and remediation steps to protect their environments.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of CVE-2025-0416, including its summary, impact, affected products, and most importantly, how to mitigate or fix the flaw. By following the guidance provided, security professionals can effectively address this vulnerability and minimize the risk of exploitation. This information is tailored for DevSecOps, application security, product security, vulnerability management, penetration testing, red teams, security operations, and engineering teams.

A Short Introduction to Valmet DNA Engineering

Valmet DNA is a distributed control system (DCS) used in various industries, including pulp and paper, energy, and process industries. Valmet DNA Engineering is a software component of this system, used for configuring, managing, and maintaining the automation system. It allows engineers to design, implement, and monitor control strategies. Given its central role in industrial automation, any vulnerability in Valmet DNA Engineering can have significant consequences for operational safety and efficiency.

Summary of CVE-2025-0416

The vulnerability exists because the DCOM object in Valmet DNA versions prior to C2023 has permissions that allow running commands with SeImpersonatePrivilege. This Windows permission enables a process to impersonate another user. An attacker with low-privilege access can exploit this insecure configuration to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM, granting them complete control over the affected system. This can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and disruption of critical industrial processes.

Impact of CVE-2025-0416

The impact of CVE-2025-0416 is significant due to its potential for local privilege escalation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain SYSTEM privileges, enabling them to perform any action on the system. This includes installing malware, modifying system settings, accessing sensitive data, and disrupting critical processes.

The vulnerability poses a high risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. Because the attack can be executed from an adjacent network and requires only low privileges, the attack surface is broad. No user interaction is required, making it easier for attackers to exploit the vulnerability without detection. The potential for complete system compromise makes CVE-2025-0416 a serious threat that requires immediate attention and remediation.

Products Affected by CVE-2025-0416

The following Valmet DNA systems are affected by CVE-2025-0416:

Valmet DNA systems version C2023 and later are not affected by this vulnerability.

How to Check Your Product is Vulnerable?

To determine if your Valmet DNA Engineering installation is vulnerable, follow these steps:

How to Fix CVE-2025-0416?

The primary remediation strategy is to upgrade to Valmet DNA version C2023 or later. This version includes the necessary security fixes to address the insecure DCOM configuration.

By following these steps, security professionals can effectively mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-0416 and ensure the security and integrity of their Valmet DNA systems.

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