CVE-2012-4714 in FactoryTalk Services Platform
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in RNADiagnostics.dll in Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Services Platform (FTSP) CPR9, CPR9-SR1, CPR9-SR2, CPR9-SR3, CPR9-SR4, CPR9-SR5, CPR9-SR5.1, and CPR9-SR6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (service outage or RNADiagReceiver.exe daemon crash) via UDP data that specifies a large integer value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4714 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the RNADiagnostics.dll component of Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Services Platform FTSP versions ranging from CPR9 through CPR9-SR6.1. This issue specifically affects the RNADiagReceiver.exe daemon process that handles UDP communication for diagnostic services within industrial automation environments. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle large integer values transmitted through UDP packets, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate the system's memory management through crafted network traffic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the RNADiagnostics.dll library processes incoming UDP data containing integer values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type being used. This overflow condition causes the application to behave unpredictably, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in the RNADiagReceiver.exe daemon crashing or becoming unresponsive. The flaw operates at the system level where unsigned integer arithmetic wraps around to zero or negative values when the maximum limit is exceeded, causing the application to attempt operations on invalid memory addresses. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it creates potential risks for industrial control systems where continuous operation is critical for manufacturing processes. When the RNADiagReceiver.exe daemon crashes or becomes unresponsive, it disrupts the diagnostic monitoring capabilities of the FactoryTalk platform, potentially masking other system issues or preventing operators from accessing crucial diagnostic information. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where the FTSP platform serves as a communication backbone for various automation devices, as the service outage can cascade through interconnected systems and potentially impact production workflows. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it a significant threat to operational technology infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate the affected systems, implementing firewall rules to restrict UDP traffic to the vulnerable ports, and applying the vendor-supplied patches or updates that address the integer overflow condition. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1566.001, which addresses spearphishing through social engineering. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious UDP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security monitoring of industrial control systems are essential to identify and remediate similar integer overflow conditions that may exist in other components of the automation infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper integer handling in mission-critical systems where reliability and security are paramount considerations for operational continuity.