Summary
Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to impersonate users, escalate privileges, gain unauthorized access to systems and services, and decrypt sensitive data.
The following versions of AutomationDirect CLICK Programmable Logic Controller are affected:
- CLICK Programmable Logic Controller (CVE-2025-67652, CVE-2025-25051)
- CLICK Programmable Logic Controller (CVE-2025-67652, CVE-2025-25051)
- CLICK Programmable Logic Controller (CVE-2025-67652, CVE-2025-25051)
| CVSS | Vendor | Equipment | Vulnerabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| v3 6.1 | AutomationDirect | AutomationDirect CLICK Programmable Logic Controller | Weak Encoding for Password, Plaintext Storage of a Password |
Background
- Critical Infrastructure Sectors: Critical Manufacturing
- Countries/Areas Deployed: Worldwide
- Company Headquarters Location: United States
Vulnerabilities
CVE-2025-67652
An attacker with access to the project file could use the exposed credentials to impersonate users, escalate privileges, or gain unauthorized access to systems and services. The absence of robust encryption or secure handling mechanisms increases the likelihood of this type of exploitation, leaving sensitive information more vulnerable.
Affected Products
AutomationDirect CLICK Programmable Logic Controller
AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect CLICK Programmable Logic Controller: C0-0x, AutomationDirect CLICK Programmable Logic Controller: C0-1x, AutomationDirect CLICK Programmable Logic Controller: C2-x
known_affected
Remediations
Mitigation
AutomationDirect recommends that users update CLICK PLUS and firmware to V3.90.
Mitigation
If the update cannot be applied right away, the following compensating controls are recommended until the upgrade can be performed:
Mitigation
Network Isolation – Disconnect the CLICK PLUS PLC from external networks (e.g., the internet or corporate LAN) to reduce exposure.
Mitigation
Secure Communications – Use only trusted, dedicated internal networks or air-gapped systems for device communication.
Mitigation
Access Control – Restrict both physical and logical access to authorized personnel only.
Mitigation
Application Whitelisting – Configure whitelisting so that only trusted, pre-approved applications are allowed to run. Block any unauthorized software.
Mitigation
Endpoint Protection – Use antivirus or EDR tools and configure host-based firewalls to block unauthorized access attempts.
Mitigation
Logging & Monitoring – Enable and regularly review system logs to detect suspicious or unauthorized activity.
Mitigation
Backup & Recovery – Maintain secure, tested backups of the PLC and its configurations to minimize downtime in case of an incident.
Mitigation
Ongoing Risk Assessment – Continuously evaluate risks associated with running outdated firmware and adjust compensating measures accordingly.
Relevant CWE: CWE-261 Weak Encoding for Password
Metrics
| CVSS Version | Base Score | Base Severity | Vector String |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | 6.1 | MEDIUM | CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N |
CVE-2025-25051
An attacker could decrypt sensitive data, impersonate legitimate users or devices, and potentially gain access to network resources for lateral attacks.
Affected Products
AutomationDirect CLICK Programmable Logic Controller
AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect CLICK Programmable Logic Controller: C0-0x, AutomationDirect CLICK Programmable Logic Controller: C0-1x, AutomationDirect CLICK Programmable Logic Controller: C2-x
known_affected
Remediations
Mitigation
AutomationDirect recommends that users update CLICK PLUS and firmware to V3.90.
Mitigation
If the update cannot be applied right away, the following compensating controls are recommended until the upgrade can be performed:
Mitigation
Network Isolation – Disconnect the CLICK PLUS PLC from external networks (e.g., the internet or corporate LAN) to reduce exposure.
Mitigation
Secure Communications – Use only trusted, dedicated internal networks or air-gapped systems for device communication.
Mitigation
Access Control – Restrict both physical and logical access to authorized personnel only.
Mitigation
Application Whitelisting – Configure whitelisting so that only trusted, pre-approved applications are allowed to run. Block any unauthorized software.
Mitigation
Endpoint Protection – Use antivirus or EDR tools and configure host-based firewalls to block unauthorized access attempts.
Mitigation
Logging & Monitoring – Enable and regularly review system logs to detect suspicious or unauthorized activity.
Mitigation
Backup & Recovery – Maintain secure, tested backups of the PLC and its configurations to minimize downtime in case of an incident.
Mitigation
Ongoing Risk Assessment – Continuously evaluate risks associated with running outdated firmware and adjust compensating measures accordingly.
Relevant CWE: CWE-256 Plaintext Storage of a Password
Metrics
| CVSS Version | Base Score | Base Severity | Vector String |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | 6.1 | MEDIUM | CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N |
Acknowledgments
- Dylan Chambers Bourgeois of Triskele Labs reported these vulnerabilities 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 these vulnerabilities, such as:
When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is 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/ics. 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/ics 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 these vulnerabilities has been reported to CISA at this time. These vulnerabilities are not exploitable remotely.
Revision History
- Initial Release Date: 2026-01-22
| Date | Revision | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-22 | 1 | Initial Publication |
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