Summary
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to cause a denial-of-service condition on the product.
The following versions of Schneider Electric Modicon M241, M251, and M262 are affected:
- Modicon M241 versions prior to 5.4.13.12 Modicon_Controller_M241
- Modicon M251 versions prior to 5.4.13.12 Modicon_Controller_M251
- Modicon M262 versions prior to 5.4.10.12 Modicon_Controller_M262
| CVSS | Vendor | Equipment | Vulnerabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| v3 5.3 | Schneider Electric | Schneider Electric Modicon M241, M251, and M262 | Improper Resource Shutdown or Release |
Background
- Critical Infrastructure Sectors: Commercial Facilities, Critical Manufacturing, Energy
- Countries/Areas Deployed: Worldwide
- Company Headquarters Location: France
Vulnerabilities
CVE-2025-13901
CWE-404 Improper Resource Shutdown or Release vulnerability exists that could cause partial Denial of Service on Machine Expert protocol when an unauthenticated attacker sends malicious payload to occupy active communication channels.
Affected Products
Schneider Electric Modicon M241, M251, and M262
Vendor:
Schneider Electric
Product Version:
Schneider Electric Modicon M241 versions prior to 5.4.13.12: Modicon_Controller_M241, Schneider Electric Modicon M251 versions prior to 5.4.13.12: Modicon_Controller_M251, Schneider Electric Modicon M262 versions prior to 5.4.10.12: Modicon_Controller_M262
Product Status:
known_affected
Remediations
Mitigation
Schneider Electric has identified the following specific workarounds and mitigations users can apply to reduce risk: Modicon Controller M241 Firmware version 5.4.13.12 delivered with EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert v2.5.0.1 includes a fix for this vulnerability and can be installed through Schneider Electric Software Installer available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/. On the engineering workstation install v2.5.0.1 of EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert. For help refer to Schneider Electric Software Installer User Guide available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/EIO0000005500/. Update Modicon Controller M241 to the latest Firmware and perform reboot. For instructions refer to Modicon M241 Logic Controller, Programming Guide: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/.
https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/
Mitigation
Schneider Electric has identified the following specific workarounds and mitigations users can apply to reduce risk: Modicon Controller M241 Firmware version 5.4.13.12 delivered with EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert v2.5.0.1 includes a fix for this vulnerability and can be installed through Schneider Electric Software Installer available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/. On the engineering workstation install v2.5.0.1 of EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert. For help refer to Schneider Electric Software Installer User Guide available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/EIO0000005500/. Update Modicon Controller M241 to the latest Firmware and perform reboot. For instructions refer to Modicon M241 Logic Controller, Programming Guide: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/.
https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/EIO0000005500/
Mitigation
Modicon Controller M251 Firmware version 5.4.13.12 delivered with EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert v2.5.0.1 includes a fix for this vulnerability and can be installed through Schneider Electric Software Installer available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/. On the engineering workstation install v2.5.0.1 of EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert. For help refer to Schneider Electric Software Installer User Guide available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/EIO0000005500/. Update Modicon Controller M251 to the latest Firmware and perform reboot. For instructions refer to Modicon M251 Logic Controller, Programming Guide: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/.
https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/
Mitigation
Modicon Controller M251 Firmware version 5.4.13.12 delivered with EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert v2.5.0.1 includes a fix for this vulnerability and can be installed through Schneider Electric Software Installer available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/. On the engineering workstation install v2.5.0.1 of EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert. For help refer to Schneider Electric Software Installer User Guide available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/EIO0000005500/. Update Modicon Controller M251 to the latest Firmware and perform reboot. For instructions refer to Modicon M251 Logic Controller, Programming Guide: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/.
https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/EIO0000005500/
Mitigation
Modicon Controller M262 Firmware version 5.4.10.12 delivered with EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert v2.5 includes a fix for this vulnerability and can be installed through Schneider Electric Software Installer available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/. On the engineering workstation install v2.5.0.1 of EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert. For help refer to Schneider Electric Software Installer User Guide available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/EIO0000005500/. Update Modicon Controller M262 to the latest Firmware and perform reboot. For instructions refer to Modicon M262 Logic/Motion Controller, Programming Guide: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/.
https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/
Mitigation
Modicon Controller M262 Firmware version 5.4.10.12 delivered with EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert v2.5 includes a fix for this vulnerability and can be installed through Schneider Electric Software Installer available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/. On the engineering workstation install v2.5.0.1 of EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert. For help refer to Schneider Electric Software Installer User Guide available here: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/EIO0000005500/. Update Modicon Controller M262 to the latest Firmware and perform reboot. For instructions refer to Modicon M262 Logic/Motion Controller, Programming Guide: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/ESEMACS10_INSTALLER/.
https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/EIO0000005500/
Mitigation
For more information see the associated Schneider Electric CPCERT security advisory SEVD-2026-069-01 Improper Resource Shutdown or Release vulnerability in Multiple Products – SEVD-2026-069-01 PDF Version: https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2026-069-01&p_enDocType=Security+and+Safety+Notice&p_File_Name=SEVD-2026-069-01.pdf. Improper Resource Shutdown or Release vulnerability in Multiple Products – SEVD-2026-069-01 CSAF Version: https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2026-069-01&p_enDocType=Security+and+Safety+Notice&p_File_Name=sevd-2026-069-01.json.
https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2026-069-01&p_enDocType=Security+and+Safety+Notice&p_File_Name=SEVD-2026-069-01.pdf
Mitigation
All affected products: If customers choose not to apply the remediation provided above, they should immediately apply the following mitigations to reduce the risk of exploit: Use controllers and devices only in a protected environment to minimize network exposure and ensure that they are not accessible from public internet or untrusted networks. Filter ports and IP through the embedded firewall. Use encrypted communication links. Use VPN (Virtual Private Networks) tunnels if remote access is required. The “Cybersecurity Guidelines for EcoStruxure Machine Expert, Modicon and PacDrive Controllers and Associated Equipment” provide product specific hardening guidelines: https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_enDocType=User+guide&p_File_Name=EIO0000004242.00.pdf&p_Doc_Ref=EIO0000004242.
https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_enDocType=User+guide&p_File_Name=EIO0000004242.00.pdf&p_Doc_Ref=EIO0000004242
Relevant CWE: CWE-404 Improper Resource Shutdown or Release
Metrics
Acknowledgments
- Noam Moshe of Claroty reported this vulnerability to Schneider Electric
- Schneider Electric reported this vulnerability to CISA
Legal Notice and Terms of Use
This product is provided subject to this Notification (https://www.cisa.gov/notification) and this Privacy & Use policy (https://www.cisa.gov/privacy-policy).
Recommended Practices
CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability, such as:
Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet.
Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Recognize VPNs may have vulnerabilities, should be updated to the most recent version available, and are only as secure as the connected devices.
CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.
CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.
CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.
Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B–Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.
Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.
CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:
Do not click web links or open attachments in unsolicited email messages.
Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams.
Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information on social engineering attacks.
No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time.
Revision History
- Initial Release Date: 2026-03-19
| Date | Revision | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-19 | 1 | Initial Republication of Schneider Electric CPCERT SEVD-2026-069-01 |
