CVE-2012-6069 in CODESYS Runtime System
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Runtime Toolkit in CODESYS Runtime System 2.3.x and 2.4.x allows remote attackers to read, overwrite, or create arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a request to the TCP listener service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2025
The CVE-2012-6069 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the CODESYS Runtime System's Runtime Toolkit component affecting versions 2.3.x and 2.4.x. This vulnerability resides in the TCP listener service which handles incoming requests from remote attackers, creating a significant attack surface for unauthorized file system access. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization within the application's request processing logic, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through specially crafted requests containing directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in how the system processes file path requests through its TCP interface. When a remote attacker submits a request containing .. (dot dot) sequences in the file path parameter, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing them. This allows the attacker to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability specifically affects the Runtime Toolkit component which serves as the core runtime environment for CODESYS applications, making it a critical component for industrial control systems and automation environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6069 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform file manipulation operations including reading sensitive configuration files, overwriting critical system files, or creating new files with malicious content. This vulnerability directly enables attackers to potentially compromise the integrity and confidentiality of industrial control systems that rely on CODESYS Runtime for their operations. The implications are particularly severe in industrial environments where CODESYS systems control critical infrastructure, as unauthorized file access could lead to system compromise, operational disruption, or even physical safety hazards.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary file operations through the TCP interface. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for industrial environments where network exposure is common. Organizations using affected CODESYS versions should immediately implement network segmentation, disable unnecessary TCP services, and apply available patches to mitigate this vulnerability.
The remediation approach for CVE-2012-6069 involves applying the official security patches released by CODESYS to address the directory traversal implementation flaw. System administrators should also implement network access controls to restrict TCP listener service exposure, particularly in industrial environments where unnecessary network access increases risk. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation mechanisms, conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems, and maintaining updated vulnerability intelligence to address similar weaknesses in legacy industrial software systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in industrial control system security and highlights the need for robust security practices in embedded and automation environments.