CVE-2016-4531 in FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix
Summary
by MITRE
Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix before 2.20.00 does not invalidate credentials upon a logout action, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access by leveraging an unattended workstation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4531 affects Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix software versions prior to 2.20.00, representing a critical session management flaw that undermines the security of industrial control systems. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly invalidate user credentials when a logout operation occurs, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw specifically targets the authentication state management mechanism within the energy monitoring and management platform, which is commonly deployed in industrial environments for tracking and controlling energy consumption across manufacturing facilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper session handling where the software maintains active credential references even after users explicitly log out of the system. This behavior creates a window of opportunity for attackers who can leverage unattended workstations to gain unauthorized access to the system. The flaw operates at the application layer and affects the authentication and authorization components of the FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix platform, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session expiration, and represents a classic case of improper session management that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to manipulate energy consumption data, modify system configurations, or potentially disrupt industrial operations. In industrial control environments, this weakness can be exploited to gain persistent access to critical infrastructure monitoring systems, potentially leading to data integrity compromise or operational disruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where multiple users share workstations or where physical security is inadequate, as attackers can exploit the unattended workstation scenario to maintain access without requiring additional authentication credentials. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.001 for abuse of privileges and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it leverages legitimate user sessions to maintain unauthorized access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix version 2.20.00 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the credential invalidation issue. Additional protective measures include implementing strict physical security controls around workstations, configuring automatic session timeouts, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit the attack surface, while regular security assessments should verify proper session management implementation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper session handling in industrial control systems, where security failures can have cascading effects on operational technology environments. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training for personnel to recognize and report potential unauthorized access scenarios, as this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering or physical access to unattended systems.