1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- CVSS v4 9.1
- ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
- Vendor: Rockwell Automation
- Equipment: FactoryTalk Updater
- Vulnerabilities: Insecure Storage of Sensitive Information, Improper Input Validation, Improperly Implemented Security Check for Standard
2. RISK EVALUATION
Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could result in an authentication bypass, remote code execution, and/or a local privilege escalation
3. TECHNICAL DETAILS
3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS
The following versions of FactoryTalk are affected:
- FactoryTalk Updater – Web Client: Version 4.00.00
- FactoryTalk Updater – Client: All versions
- FactoryTalk Updater – Agent: All versions
3.2 Vulnerability Overview
3.2.1 INSECURE STORAGE OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION CWE-922
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists due to shared secrets across accounts, which could allow a threat actor to impersonate a user if the threat actor is able to enumerate additional information required during authentication.
CVE-2024-10943 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.1 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-10943. A base score of 9.1 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).
3.2.2 IMPROPER INPUT VALIDATION CWE-20
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the affected product. The vulnerability requires a high level of permissions and exists due to improper input validation resulting in the possibility of a malicious updated agent being deployed.
CVE-2024-10944 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.4 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-10944. A base score of 7.1 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:H/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:L/SI:L/SA:L).
3.2.3 IMPROPERLY IMPLEMENTED SECURITY CHECK FOR STANDARD CWE-358
A local privilege escalation vulnerability requires a local, low privileged threat actor to replace certain files during update and exists due to a failure to perform proper security checks before installation.
CVE-2024-10945 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.3 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-10945. A base score of 7.0 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).
3.3 BACKGROUND
- CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Infrastructure
- COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
- COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: United States
3.4 RESEARCHER
Rockwell Automation reported these vulnerabilities to CISA.
4. MITIGATIONS
Rockwell Automation recommends users follow the following mitigations:
- FactoryTalk Updater – Web Client: Update to V4.20.00
- FactoryTalk Updater – Client: Update to V4.20.00
- FactoryTalk Updater – Agent: Update to V4.20.00
Users using the affected software, FactoryTalk Updater – Client, are encouraged to apply the risk mitigations, if possible.
- Control access to the server where FactoryTalk Updater is running.
- Click the ‘Scan’ button, which will update the database
For information on how to mitigate security risks on industrial automation control systems, Rockwell Automation encourage users to implement their suggested security best practices to minimize the risk of the vulnerabilities.
Users can use Stakeholder-Specific Vulnerability Categorization to generate more environment-specific prioritization.
For more information about these issues, please see the Rockwell Automation security advisory.
CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of these vulnerabilities, 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.
CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:
No known public exploitation specifically targeting these vulnerabilities has been reported to CISA at this time.
5. UPDATE HISTORY
- November 12, 2024: Initial Publication