CVE-2017-14462 in MicroLogix 1400
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable access control vulnerability exists in the data, program, and function file permissions functionality of Allen Bradley Micrologix 1400 Series B FRN 21.2 and before. A specially crafted packet can cause a read or write operation resulting in disclosure of sensitive information, modification of settings, or modification of ladder logic. An attacker can send unauthenticated packets to trigger this vulnerability. Required Keyswitch State: REMOTE or PROG (also RUN for some) Description: Allows an attacker to enable SNMP, Modbus, DNP, and any other features in the channel configuration. Also allows attackers to change network parameters, such as IP address, name server, and domain name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The CVE-2017-14462 vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw in Allen Bradley Micrologix 1400 Series controllers running firmware version 21.2 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the data, program, and function file permissions functionality of these industrial control devices, fundamentally undermining the security model designed to protect critical manufacturing and automation systems. The flaw allows unauthorized parties to manipulate controller configurations through unauthenticated network packets, creating a pathway for both information disclosure and operational disruption that directly impacts industrial control system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specially crafted network packets that can trigger read or write operations on sensitive controller resources. This vulnerability specifically affects controllers in REMOTE or PROG keyswitch states, with some variants also permitting exploitation in RUN state, expanding the attack surface significantly. The flaw enables attackers to modify critical system parameters including SNMP, Modbus, and DNP3 communication protocols, which are essential for industrial network monitoring and control. This capability represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and undermines the security boundaries typically established in industrial environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to modify ladder logic programs that govern industrial processes. This represents a severe threat to operational technology infrastructure since modifications to control logic can directly affect physical processes, potentially causing equipment damage, production downtime, or safety hazards. The ability to change network parameters such as IP addresses, name servers, and domain names creates additional attack vectors that can facilitate further network infiltration and lateral movement within industrial environments. This vulnerability effectively allows attackers to assume control over critical manufacturing processes and system configurations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence within industrial control systems. The lack of authentication requirements for critical configuration changes represents a fundamental failure in the security architecture of these devices, making them susceptible to both external and internal threats. Organizations utilizing Allen Bradley Micrologix 1400 Series controllers should immediately implement network segmentation, disable unnecessary communication protocols, and apply firmware updates to address this vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments and monitoring of controller configurations are essential to detect unauthorized changes that may indicate exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical need for robust security controls in industrial environments where operational technology systems are increasingly connected to corporate networks. This flaw demonstrates how legacy industrial control systems often lack adequate authentication mechanisms and access controls, creating persistent security gaps that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure. The vulnerability's potential for causing physical damage through modification of control logic underscores the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect both network and operational technology boundaries in industrial environments.