CVE-2016-4522 in FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix before 2.20.00 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2019
The CVE-2016-4522 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix software prior to version 2.20.00. This vulnerability resides within industrial control systems designed for energy monitoring and management in manufacturing environments. The affected system operates within critical infrastructure sectors including power generation, oil and gas, and manufacturing facilities where energy consumption tracking and optimization are paramount. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through unspecified attack vectors, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of energy data. This represents a significant concern for industrial cybersecurity as it could allow unauthorized access to energy consumption records, operational parameters, and system configurations that are essential for maintaining production efficiency and safety protocols.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a code injection technique that occurs when user input is improperly validated before being incorporated into SQL queries. The unspecified vectors suggest that the attack surface may encompass multiple entry points within the FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix application, including web interfaces, API endpoints, or database connection parameters. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input strings that manipulate the underlying SQL query execution, potentially gaining unauthorized database access, extracting sensitive information, or even modifying energy consumption data. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the industrial network, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation may not be fully implemented.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4522 extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially affect industrial operations and safety systems. Energy monitoring data is often used for predictive maintenance, operational optimization, and regulatory compliance reporting within industrial facilities. If compromised, this data could lead to incorrect operational decisions, false alarms, or even safety hazards if energy consumption patterns are manipulated. The vulnerability could also serve as a stepping stone for attackers to gain deeper access to connected industrial control systems, potentially enabling lateral movement within the facility's network infrastructure. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in the context of the ATT&CK framework's initial access and credential access phases, as it provides a method for adversaries to establish a foothold within industrial environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement security patches provided by Rockwell Automation, specifically upgrading to FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix version 2.20.00 or later. Network segmentation strategies should be reinforced to limit access to industrial control systems from external networks, while implementing robust input validation mechanisms and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of industrial control systems should be conducted to identify and remediate potential injection vulnerabilities, particularly in legacy systems that may not have received regular security updates. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining comprehensive industrial cybersecurity frameworks that address both traditional IT security concerns and specialized industrial control system requirements, as outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443.