CVE-2017-6041 in Food Processing Systems M3000
Summary
by MITRE
An Unrestricted Upload issue was discovered in Marel Food Processing Systems M3000 terminal associated with the following systems: A320, A325, A371, A520 Master, A520 Slave, A530, A542, A571, Check Bin Grader, FlowlineQC T376, IPM3 Dual Cam v132, IPM3 Dual Cam v139, IPM3 Single Cam v132, P520, P574, SensorX13 QC flow line, SensorX23 QC Master, SensorX23 QC Slave, Speed Batcher, T374, T377, V36, V36B, and V36C; M3210 terminal associated with the same systems as the M3000 terminal identified above; M3000 desktop software associated with the same systems as the M3000 terminal identified above; MAC4 controller associated with the same systems as the M3000 terminal identified above; SensorX23 X-ray machine; SensorX25 X-ray machine; and MWS2 weighing system. This vulnerability allows an attacker to modify the operation and upload firmware changes without detection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-6041 represents a critical security flaw in industrial control systems manufactured by Marel Food Processing Systems, specifically affecting multiple terminal and controller devices used in food processing environments. This unrestricted upload vulnerability exists within the firmware update mechanisms of various Marel systems including the M3000 terminal, M3210 terminal, desktop software, MAC4 controller, and several X-ray machines and weighing systems. The affected systems span across different product lines such as A320, A325, A371, A520 Master/Slave, A530, A542, A571, Check Bin Grader, FlowlineQC T376, IPM3 Dual Cam, IPM3 Single Cam, P520, P574, SensorX13 QC flow line, SensorX23 QC Master/Slave, Speed Batcher, T374, T377, V36, V36B, and V36C models. The flaw allows unauthorized parties to upload malicious firmware updates without proper authentication or authorization mechanisms, potentially enabling complete system compromise and operational disruption.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where applications accept file uploads without proper validation of file types or content. The technical implementation flaw lies in the firmware update protocols of these industrial devices, which lack proper authentication mechanisms, digital signature verification, or secure boot processes. The absence of these critical security controls means that any attacker with access to the system's update interface can upload malicious code that will be executed with elevated privileges, potentially allowing complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects both network-accessible terminals and embedded controllers, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely or through physical access points.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of food processing operations. Attackers could modify firmware to manipulate production parameters, alter quality control processes, or introduce malicious code that could persist across system reboots. This represents a significant risk to food safety and production quality, as the compromised systems might deliver contaminated products or fail to meet regulatory compliance standards. The vulnerability's potential for undetected modification means that malicious actors could maintain persistent access to these critical industrial systems without detection, creating a stealthy attack vector that could remain active for extended periods. The affected systems operate in environments where continuous operation is critical, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could lead to production halts, safety violations, or regulatory penalties.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper authentication and authorization mechanisms for all firmware update processes, including digital signature verification and secure boot procedures. Organizations should establish network segmentation to isolate these industrial control systems from general corporate networks, implement network monitoring to detect unauthorized firmware updates, and establish strict access controls for system maintenance personnel. The implementation of secure firmware update protocols should follow industrial security standards such as those outlined in IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82, which provide guidance for securing industrial control systems. Additionally, regular firmware audits and integrity checks should be implemented to detect unauthorized modifications, and organizations should maintain detailed logs of all firmware update activities for security monitoring purposes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of treating industrial control systems with the same security rigor as traditional IT systems, particularly in critical infrastructure environments where operational continuity and safety are paramount.