CVE-2014-5414 in Embedded PC
Summary
by MITRE
Beckhoff Embedded PC images before 2014-10-22 and Automation Device Specification (ADS) TwinCAT components do not restrict the number of authentication attempts, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5414 affects Beckhoff Embedded PC images and Automation Device Specification TwinCAT components, specifically targeting the authentication mechanisms within these industrial automation systems. This flaw represents a significant security weakness in critical infrastructure deployments where operational technology systems require robust access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications or disruptions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient rate limiting or account lockout mechanisms that should normally protect against repeated authentication attempts.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of proper authentication attempt restrictions within the ADS TwinCAT protocol implementation. When an attacker conducts a brute-force attack against these systems, they can repeatedly submit authentication requests without encountering account lockouts or temporary access restrictions. This design deficiency allows malicious actors to systematically test numerous username and password combinations until successful access is achieved. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems running Beckhoff Embedded PC images prior to the 2014-10-22 release, indicating that this was a known issue that required a specific patch to address the authentication weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as industrial automation systems often control critical manufacturing processes, safety systems, and operational workflows. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full administrative control over the affected automation devices, potentially leading to production disruptions, safety hazards, or data compromise. The ease with which brute-force attacks can succeed against these systems makes them particularly attractive targets for threat actors seeking to disrupt industrial operations or gain persistent access to critical infrastructure environments. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-307, which addresses inadequate account lockout mechanisms that allow for brute-force attacks, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in industrial control systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Beckhoff security patches released after October 22, 2014, which would have addressed the authentication attempt restriction issue. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit direct exposure of these automation devices to external networks, as recommended by the MITRE ATT&CK framework for industrial control systems. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based authentication monitoring, configuring automatic account lockout policies, and deploying intrusion detection systems specifically designed to identify brute-force attack patterns targeting industrial protocols. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in industrial environments where legacy systems may contain inherent design weaknesses that become exploitable over time.