CVE-2017-16740 in MicroLogix 1400
Summary
by MITRE
A Buffer Overflow issue was discovered in Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1400 Controllers, Series B and C Versions 21.002 and earlier. The stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified, which may allow remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16740 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1400 controllers running Series B and C firmware versions 21.002 and earlier. This flaw exists in the controller's communication handling mechanisms, specifically within the protocol processing layer that manages incoming network requests from external devices. The buffer overflow occurs when the system receives malformed data packets that exceed the allocated stack buffer space, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected industrial control systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. The MicroLogix 1400 controllers are designed for industrial automation environments where they control critical manufacturing processes, making the remote code execution capability particularly dangerous. Attackers can potentially exploit this vulnerability without authentication by sending specially crafted network packets to the controller's communication ports, bypassing normal access controls that would typically protect industrial control systems from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential disruption of industrial processes, data manipulation, and unauthorized access to critical manufacturing operations. Industrial control systems like the MicroLogix 1400 operate in environments where downtime can result in significant financial losses and safety risks, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations implementing industrial internet of things solutions. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that these controllers often communicate over unencrypted protocols and may be directly accessible from external networks, increasing the likelihood of exploitation. This vulnerability directly aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1210 technique for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and control through remote access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates to versions beyond 21.002, network segmentation to isolate affected controllers, and deployment of network monitoring tools to detect anomalous traffic patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date industrial control system firmware and implementing proper network security controls in operational technology environments. Additional mitigations include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strong access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control system networks to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by threat actors.