CVE-2017-14022 in Automation FactoryTalk Alarms
Summary
by MITRE
An Improper Input Validation issue was discovered in Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Alarms and Events, Version 2.90 and earlier. An unauthenticated attacker with remote access to a network with FactoryTalk Alarms and Events can send a specially crafted set of packets packet to Port 403/TCP (the history archiver service), causing the service to either stall or terminate.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14022 represents a critical improper input validation flaw within Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Alarms and Events software version 2.90 and earlier. This issue resides in the history archiver service component that operates on TCP port 403, which is a standard port used for industrial automation and control system communications. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of incoming data packets, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through remote network access without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability specifically targets the service's handling of malformed or specially crafted packets that are transmitted to the designated port, exposing the system to potential denial of service conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an unauthenticated attacker sends maliciously constructed packets to the history archiver service running on port 403. The service fails to properly validate the input data structure and content, leading to unpredictable behavior where the service either becomes unresponsive or terminates entirely. This improper input validation directly maps to CWE-20, which categorizes "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to inject malformed data that can disrupt normal application operations. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper bounds checking and data sanitization mechanisms within the network protocol handling layer of the industrial control system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the integrity of industrial automation environments. FactoryTalk Alarms and Events systems are typically deployed in critical infrastructure settings where continuous operation is essential for process control and monitoring. When the history archiver service becomes unresponsive or terminates, it can lead to loss of historical alarm and event data, which represents a significant operational risk for process monitoring and compliance requirements. The vulnerability affects the availability aspect of the CIA triad, as it can be exploited to deny legitimate users access to critical system functions. Additionally, the service termination can potentially trigger cascading failures in related systems that depend on the continuous operation of the alarm and event management infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general network access, deployment of network access control lists to restrict traffic to port 403, and application of vendor-provided security patches. The mitigation strategy should align with industrial cybersecurity frameworks such as those recommended by NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 standards, which emphasize the importance of protecting industrial control system components from unauthorized access. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for unusual traffic patterns on port 403 and establish baseline operational behavior for the history archiver service to quickly identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for robust input validation mechanisms in industrial control system software, particularly in components that handle external network communications and data processing functions.