CVE-2017-14468 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 Description: This ability is leveraged in a larger exploit to flash custom firmware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The CVE-2017-14468 vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw in Allen Bradley Micrologix 1400 Series controllers running firmware versions up to and including FRN 21.2. This vulnerability specifically targets the data, program, and function file permissions functionality, creating a significant security gap in industrial control systems that operate in remote or programming modes. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate controller operations through unauthenticated network packets, fundamentally undermining the security model of these industrial devices. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only that the controller's keyswitch be positioned in either REMOTE or PROG mode, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered from external network access points without requiring physical proximity or legitimate credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate permission checking mechanisms within the controller's communication protocols. When properly configured in REMOTE or PROG modes, the Micrologix 1400 Series controllers fail to properly validate incoming packets before executing read or write operations on sensitive system files. This weakness enables attackers to craft specially formatted network packets that bypass normal access controls, allowing for unauthorized modification of critical system components including ladder logic programs, data files, and program files. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include the potential for complete system compromise through custom firmware installation, as noted in the broader exploit chain that leverages this weakness.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14468 is severe for industrial environments relying on Allen Bradley controllers, as it provides attackers with the ability to modify critical control logic without authentication. This capability can result in unauthorized changes to process control programs, potentially leading to production disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The vulnerability's exploitation path through unauthenticated network access means that attackers can target these controllers from external networks, making them particularly dangerous in connected industrial environments where network segmentation may be inadequate. The ability to flash custom firmware through this vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can maintain access even after initial compromise, as the attacker can install backdoors or modified control logic that operates independently of normal system security mechanisms.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-14468 should focus on both immediate network-level protections and long-term system hardening measures. Organizations should implement strict network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general corporate networks, ensuring that controllers in REMOTE or PROG modes are not directly accessible from untrusted networks. Network access control lists should be configured to restrict communication to only authorized management systems and personnel. Additionally, the keyswitch position should be carefully controlled and monitored, as the vulnerability only operates when the controller is in REMOTE or PROG mode. Regular firmware updates should be implemented to address this vulnerability, and system administrators should conduct thorough network scans to identify any controllers running affected firmware versions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through firmware modification, making it a critical concern for industrial cybersecurity programs that must address both network and operational security domains.
This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent security challenges in industrial control systems where legacy security models often fail to account for modern network-based attack vectors. The fact that it can be exploited through unauthenticated network packets highlights the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect not only the network perimeter but also the fundamental security assumptions within industrial devices themselves. Organizations must recognize that industrial control systems represent critical infrastructure components where security vulnerabilities can have cascading effects on operational safety and business continuity, making the timely remediation of issues like CVE-2017-14468 essential for maintaining secure industrial operations.