CVE-2026-16675: Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk® Activation Manager - Privilege Escalation
A privilege escalation security issue exists within FactoryTalk® Activation Manager. The security issue stems from custom actions in the installer that spawn visible console windows running with SYSTEM privileges during installation or repair operations. An authenticated attacker with Windows credentials could hijack these console windows to obtain a SYSTEM-level command prompt, allowing full access to all files, processes, and system resources.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Activation Managerto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 5.03
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can exploit this issue?
An attacker must already be authenticated to Windows with valid credentials. The issue is a local privilege-escalation path rather than an unauthenticated or remote attack.
When is the vulnerable behavior exposed?
The exposure occurs during FactoryTalk Activation Manager installation or repair operations, when installer custom actions open visible console windows running as SYSTEM. An attacker would need an opportunity to hijack one of those windows.
What level of access could successful exploitation provide?
Successful exploitation can provide a SYSTEM-level command prompt. This gives the attacker full access to files, processes, and system resources.