CVE-2018-0669 in INplc
Summary
by MITRE
INplc-RT 3.08 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass authentication to execute an arbitrary command through the protocol-compliant traffic. This is a different vulnerability than CVE-2018-0670.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0669 affects INplc-RT version 3.08 and earlier, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands through protocol-compliant traffic. This vulnerability specifically targets the industrial control systems environment where proper authentication mechanisms should prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure operations. The flaw allows attackers to circumvent the intended security controls by leveraging legitimate protocol traffic patterns, making detection more challenging and the attack more insidious.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication checks within the communication protocol handling mechanisms of the INplc-RT system. Attackers can craft specially formatted protocol-compliant messages that appear legitimate to the system's security controls while simultaneously containing malicious command execution payloads. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a significant weakness in the system's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw indicates that no local access or physical presence is required to exploit the weakness, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where such systems control critical processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0669 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential system compromise and operational disruption. Industrial control systems that utilize affected INplc-RT versions become vulnerable to malicious actors who can execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to process manipulation, data corruption, or complete system failure. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where industrial automation and control systems require robust security measures to prevent unauthorized modifications to operational parameters. The ability to bypass authentication through protocol-compliant traffic means that traditional network monitoring and intrusion detection systems may fail to identify the malicious activity, as the traffic appears legitimate to security controls.
Organizations utilizing affected INplc-RT systems should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches and updates to address this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include implementing network segmentation to isolate critical control systems from general network access, deploying enhanced monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous protocol behavior beyond standard traffic patterns, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of industrial control environments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through legitimate user processes, requiring organizations to strengthen their defensive measures against protocol-level attacks. Additional mitigations should include regular security audits of industrial control systems, implementation of zero-trust network architectures where appropriate, and ensuring that all industrial systems are kept up to date with the latest security patches from vendors.