CVE-2012-0222 in FactoryTalk
Summary
by MITRE
The FactoryTalk (FT) RNADiagReceiver service in Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley FactoryTalk CPR9 through SR5 and RSLogix 5000 17 through 20 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2019
The FactoryTalk RNADiagReceiver service represents a critical component within Rockwell Automation's industrial control systems, specifically designed to handle diagnostic communications for FactoryTalk CPR9 through SR5 and RSLogix 5000 versions 17 through 20. This service operates as a network daemon responsible for processing diagnostic requests from remote clients, making it a prime target for cyber attacks that could disrupt industrial operations. The vulnerability resides in the service's packet parsing mechanism where insufficient input validation leads to improper memory access patterns.
This specific vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the RNADiagReceiver service processes malformed network packets containing crafted data structures. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking within the service's protocol handler, allowing remote attackers to send specially constructed packets that cause the service to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. Such behavior typically results in unpredictable system behavior including application crashes, memory corruption, or complete service termination. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring authentication or physical access to the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise industrial control system integrity and availability. When the RNADiagReceiver service crashes due to the out-of-bounds read, it creates a denial of service condition that can interrupt diagnostic communications critical for maintaining factory operations. In industrial environments where continuous operation is essential, such service interruptions can lead to production halts, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety risks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these systems from external networks, making it particularly dangerous for industrial organizations with connected systems. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which is classified as a memory safety error that can lead to system instability and potential information disclosure. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this service typically runs on standard TCP ports, making it discoverable through network scanning activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patch application from Rockwell Automation, which would address the underlying bounds checking issues in the RNADiagReceiver service. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to the service to authorized personnel only, utilizing firewalls and network access control lists to block unnecessary traffic. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual service behavior or connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also implement network intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed packets targeting this specific service. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.002: Endpoint Denial of Service, which focuses on disrupting services through memory corruption or resource exhaustion attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that validate all network traffic regardless of its origin, as this approach can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other industrial control system components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in industrial network services.