CVE-2012-6438

Summary

The device does not properly validate the data being sent to the buffer. An attacker can send a malformed CIP packet to Port 2222/TCP, Port 2222/UDP, Port 44818/TCP, or Port 44818/UDP, which creates a buffer overflow and causes the NIC to crash. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could cause loss of availability and a disruption in communications with other connected devices.

Rockwell Automation EtherNet/IP products; 1756-ENBT, 1756-EWEB, 1768-ENBT, and 1768-EWEB communication modules; CompactLogix L32E and L35E controllers; 1788-ENBT FLEXLogix adapter; 1794-AENTR FLEX I/O EtherNet/IP adapter; ControlLogix 18 and earlier; CompactLogix 18 and earlier; GuardLogix 18 and earlier; SoftLogix 18 and earlier; CompactLogix controllers 19 and earlier; SoftLogix controllers 19 and earlier; ControlLogix controllers 20 and earlier; GuardLogix controllers 20 and earlier; and MicroLogix 1100 and 1400

Affected Software

VendorProductVersion RangeStatus
Rockwell Automation1756-ENBT, 1756-EWEB, 1768-ENBT, 1768-EWEB communication modulesAllaffected
Rockwell AutomationCompactLogix L32E and L35E controllersAllaffected
Rockwell Automation1788-ENBT FLEXLogix adapterAllaffected
Rockwell Automation1794-AENTR FLEX I/O EtherNet/IP adapterAllaffected
Rockwell AutomationControlLogix, CompactLogix, GuardLogix, and SoftLogix0 <= 18affected
Rockwell AutomationCompactLogix and SoftLogix controllers0 <= 19affected
Rockwell AutomationControlLogix and GuardLogix controllers0 <= 20affected
Rockwell AutomationMicroLogix1100affected
Rockwell AutomationMicroLogix1400affected

Weaknesses

  • CWE-119: CWE-119

Workarounds

Rockwell recommends updating to the newest firmware patches to fix the vulnerabilities, but if not able to do so right away, then Rockwell advises immediately employing the following mitigations for each of the affected products.

To mitigate the vulnerabilities pertaining to receiving valid CIP packets:

  • Block all traffic to the Ethernet/IP or other CIP protocol-based devices from outside the Manufacturing Zone by restricting or blocking access to TCP and UDP Ports 2222 and 44818 using appropriate security technology such as a firewall or Unified Threat Management (UTM).
  • Employ a UTM appliance that specifically supports CIP message filtering.

In addition to the above, Rockwell recommends concerned customers remain vigilant and continue to follow security strategies that help reduce risk and enhance overall control system security. Where possible, they suggest you apply multiple recommendations and complement this list with your own best-practices:

  • Employ layered security and defense-in-depth methods in system design to restrict and control access to individual products and control networks. Refer to http://www.ab.com/networks/architectures.html for comprehensive information about implementing validated architectures designed to deliver these measures.
  • Restrict physical and electronic access to automation products, networks, and systems to only those individuals authorized to be in contact with control system equipment.
  • Employ firewalls with ingress/egress filtering, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and validate all configurations. Evaluate firewall configurations to ensure other appropriate inbound and outbound traffic is blocked.
  • Use up-to-date end-point protection software (e.g., antivirus/antimalware software) on all PC-based assets.
  • Make sure that software and control system device firmware is patched to current releases.
  • Periodically change passwords in control system components and infrastructure devices.
  • Where applicable, set the controller key-switch/mode-switch to RUN mode.

For more information on security with Rockwell Automation products, please refer to Rockwell’s Security Advisory Index http://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/54102 .

ADP Enrichment

CVE Program Container

Additional References

CISA ADP Vulnrichment

  • SSVC:
  • Exploitation: none
    • Automatable: yes
    • Technical Impact: partial

References