CVE-2015-6486 in MicroLogix
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability on Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 devices before B FRN 15.000 and 1400 devices before B FRN 15.003 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2018
The CVE-2015-6486 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 and 1400 series programmable logic controllers. This vulnerability specifically impacts devices running firmware versions prior to B FRN 15.000 for the 1100 series and B FRN 15.003 for the 1400 series. The flaw resides in the web-based configuration interface of these industrial control devices, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has gained legitimate credentials to the device can leverage this weakness to escalate their privileges and potentially compromise the entire control system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web interface components of these PLC devices. When authenticated users interact with the configuration web pages, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code through various interface elements, potentially manipulating the device's internal database structures. The impact extends beyond simple data manipulation as successful exploitation can enable attackers to access sensitive system information, modify configuration parameters, and potentially disrupt industrial processes. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where network connectivity is essential for system monitoring and control.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to industrial control systems and critical infrastructure. The affected MicroLogix devices are commonly deployed in manufacturing environments, process control applications, and other industrial settings where reliability and security are paramount. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized system modifications, data corruption, or even complete system compromise that might affect production processes and safety systems. The vulnerability creates a potential attack vector that aligns with tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under the 'Command and Control' and 'Persistence' phases, where attackers could establish long-term access to industrial control systems. Organizations utilizing these devices face the risk of operational disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential safety hazards if industrial processes are compromised.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6486 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Allen-Bradley to the latest available versions that address this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to these devices. Regular security assessments and monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activities should be conducted to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date industrial control system firmware and implementing robust security practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to these critical control devices. Given the nature of industrial environments, these mitigations should be carefully planned to avoid disrupting ongoing operations while maintaining security posture.