High severity · published Sep 1, 2026
CVE-2026-16675
Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk® Activation Manager - Privilege Escalation
8.5
CVSS
0.1%
EPSS
No
On KEV
Description
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.
Exploitation
Is it being used?
Exploit prediction (EPSS)0.1% · higher than 3% of CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo evidence yet
CISA KEVNot listed
Ransomware campaign useNot known
Affected products
Which versions
FA
FactoryTalk® Activation Manager · Rockwell Automation
Version 5.02 and below · source: vendor
In the news
VulnerabilityHigh
Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Activation Manager
View CSAF
Summary
The following versions of Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Activation Manager are affected:
FactoryTalk Activation Manager V5.02_and_below (CVE-2026-16675)
CVSS
Vendor
Equipment
Vulnerabilities
v3 7.8
Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Activation Manager
Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts
Background
Critical Infrastructure Sectors: Critical Manufacturing
Countries/Areas Deployed: Worldwide
Company Headquarters Location: United States
Vulnerabilities
Expand All +
CVE-2026-16675
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists within FactoryTalk Activation Manager. The vulnerability 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.
View CVE Details
Affected Products
Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Activation Manager
Vendor: Rockwell Automation
Product Version: Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Activation Manager V5.02_and_below
Product Status: known_affected
Remediations
Vendor fix Rockwell Automation recommends users update to software version V5.03.
Mitigation Customers using the affected software who are not a...
Sep 1, 2026·CISA Advisories
Affected product
FA
FactoryTalk® Activation Manager
Rockwell Automation
References
NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-16675
CVE.org
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-16675
www.rockwellautomation.com
https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/trust-center/security-advisories/advisory.SD1799.html
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