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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• CVSS v3 7.0
• ATTENTION: Exploitable from a local network
• Vendor: Mitsubishi Electric
• Equipment: CNC Series
• Vulnerability: Uncontrolled Search Path Element

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious code by getting setup-launcher to load a malicious DLL.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of Mitsubishi Electric CNC Series are affected:

• NC Designer2: All versions
• NC Designer: All versions
• NC Configurator2: All versions
• NC Analyzer2: All versions
• NC Analyzer: All versions
• NC Explorer: All versions
• NC Monitor2: All versions
• NC Monitor: All versions
• NC Trainer2: "AB" and prior
• NC Trainer2 plus: "AB" and prior
• NC Trainer: All versions
• NC Trainer plus: All versions
• NC Visualizer: All versions
• Remote Monitor Tool: All versions
• MS Configurator: All versions
• Mitsubishi Electric Numerical Control Device Communication Software (FCSB1224): All versions
• Mitsubishi Electric CNC communication software runtime library M70LC/M730LC: All versions
• NC Virtual Simulator: All versions

3.2 Vulnerability Overview

3.2.1 UNCONTROLLED SEARCH PATH ELEMENT CWE-427

Malicious code execution vulnerability via DLL hijacking due to Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427) exists in Flexera InstallShield used in multiple software tools and industrial IoT-related products for Mitsubishi Electric CNC Series.

CVE-2016-2542 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.0 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

3.3 BACKGROUND

• CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing
• COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
• COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Japan

3.4 RESEARCHER

Sahil Shah reported this vulnerability to Mitsubishi Electric.

4. MITIGATIONS

The vulnerability is fixed in the following products and versions.  Download and install the fixed version from the Mitsubishi Electric download site:

• NC Trainer2: "AC" or later
• NC Trainer2 plus: "AC" or later

Note that there are no plans to release fixed versions for the following products:

• NC Designer
• NC Analyzer
• NC Monitor
• NC Trainer / NC Trainer plus
• NC Visualizer
• Remote Monitor Tool
• MS Configurator

For users of products that do not have a fixed version or who cannot immediately update the product, Mitsubishi Electric recommends taking the following mitigations to minimize the risk of exploiting this vulnerability:

• Restrict physical access to the computer using the product.
• Install an antivirus software in the computer using the affected product.
• Do not open untrusted files or click untrusted links.
• Do not run setup-launchers obtained from sources other than our branches, distributors or the Mitsubishi Electric FA website.
• Before running the setup-launcher, make sure that no DLL exists in the folder containing the setup-launcher executable file (the name varies depending on the product) for the product.

For more information, see Mitsubishi Electric 2025-008.

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), 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.

No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time. This vulnerability is not exploitable remotely. This vulnerability has a high attack complexity.

5. UPDATE HISTORY

• July 24, 2025: Initial Republication of Mitsubishi Electric 2025-008