CVE-2013-0689 in Dl 8000 Remote Terminal Unit
Summary
by MITRE
The TFTP server on the Emerson Process Management ROC800 RTU with software 3.50 and earlier, DL8000 RTU with software 2.30 and earlier, and ROC800L RTU with software 1.20 and earlier allows remote attackers to upload files and consequently execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0689 represents a critical security flaw in the TFTP server implementation of several Emerson Process Management RTU devices including the ROC800, DL8000, and ROC800L models. This vulnerability affects firmware versions 3.50 and earlier for ROC800 RTUs, 2.30 and earlier for DL8000 RTUs, and 1.20 and earlier for ROC800L RTUs. The flaw exists within the Trivial File Transfer Protocol server component that is integral to the remote terminal unit functionality, providing a mechanism for device configuration, firmware updates, and operational management. The affected devices are commonly deployed in industrial control systems and critical infrastructure environments where reliable and secure communication protocols are essential for operational continuity and safety.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the TFTP server implementation. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to upload malicious files to the affected devices, which then allows for arbitrary code execution. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability where a remote attacker can gain unauthorized access to the device's operating system and execute malicious code with the privileges of the TFTP service. The vulnerability does not require authentication for the initial file upload, making it particularly dangerous in environments where these devices are accessible over untrusted networks or where network segmentation is inadequate. The underlying flaw likely involves improper handling of file paths, insufficient validation of uploaded file contents, or missing access control checks that would normally prevent unauthorized file operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for industrial control systems and critical infrastructure deployments. Remote code execution capabilities enable attackers to completely compromise the affected RTU devices, potentially leading to system outages, data manipulation, or unauthorized access to critical processes. In industrial environments, these devices often control physical processes and safety systems, making such compromises extremely dangerous. The vulnerability could be exploited to modify device configurations, inject malicious code into control systems, or establish persistent backdoors for future attacks. The affected devices may be located in remote or physically secure locations, but network connectivity for maintenance and monitoring purposes often creates attack vectors that can be exploited from external networks. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of industrial control systems, potentially causing operational disruptions, safety hazards, or financial losses in critical infrastructure sectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0689 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Emerson Process Management to address the underlying TFTP server implementation flaws. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from general network access, particularly by restricting TFTP traffic to trusted administrative networks only. Network access control lists and firewalls should be configured to block TFTP traffic from untrusted sources, and the TFTP service should be disabled if not absolutely required for operational purposes. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining affected devices in the network infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation and CWE-73 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, and it maps to ATT&CK techniques including T1105 Remote File Copy and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and anomaly detection for unusual TFTP traffic patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to detect TFTP-related malicious activities and ensure that all industrial control system devices receive regular security updates and patches as part of their maintenance procedures.