CVE-2009-0474 in Controllogix 1756-ENBT
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix 1756-ENBT/A EtherNet/IP Bridge Module allows remote attackers to obtain "internal web page information" and "internal information about the module" via unspecified vectors. NOTE: this may overlap CVE-2002-1603.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0474 affects the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix 1756-ENBT/A EtherNet/IP Bridge Module, a critical component in industrial control systems that facilitates communication between different network protocols. This device operates within the industrial automation domain where security is paramount, yet many such systems suffer from inadequate security measures due to their legacy design and focus on operational reliability over cybersecurity. The affected module implements a web interface for configuration and monitoring purposes, but this interface contains significant security flaws that expose internal system information to remote attackers. The vulnerability represents a classic case of information disclosure in industrial control systems where unauthorized parties can gain insights into the internal workings of critical infrastructure components.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that allow remote attackers to access "internal web page information" and "internal information about the module." This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which describes information exposure, and specifically represents a weakness in the web interface implementation where proper access controls and information hiding mechanisms are not properly enforced. The module's web server appears to lack adequate authentication mechanisms or authorization checks, enabling unauthenticated access to internal system details that should remain confidential. The exposure of internal web page information suggests that the module's web server is not properly configured to restrict access to sensitive internal resources, potentially exposing system paths, internal file structures, or configuration details that could aid in subsequent attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure and represents a significant risk to industrial control system security. When attackers can obtain internal information about the module, they gain valuable intelligence that can be used for planning more sophisticated attacks. This information could include module firmware versions, internal network configurations, or other details that help attackers understand the system's architecture and identify potential attack vectors. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to map the internal structure of the control system, potentially leading to more serious exploits such as privilege escalation or system compromise. The fact that this vulnerability overlaps with CVE-2002-1603 indicates that it represents a persistent weakness in Rockwell Automation's product line that has not been adequately addressed over multiple years, highlighting long-term security gaps in industrial control system implementations.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1087.001, which involves account discovery, and T1005, which covers data from local system. Attackers could leverage this information to understand the system's internal structure and potentially identify other vulnerable components within the network. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for proper input validation and access control mechanisms in industrial web interfaces, as these systems often lack the robust security measures found in enterprise environments. Organizations using Rockwell Automation ControlLogix modules should implement network segmentation, restrict access to these web interfaces, and ensure that all devices are properly updated with the latest security patches. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and implementing proper network access controls can help mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability in operational technology environments.