CVE-2018-10635 in Robot Controller
Summary
by MITRE
In Universal Robots Robot Controllers Version CB 3.1, SW Version 3.4.5-100, ports 30001/TCP to 30003/TCP listen for arbitrary URScript code and execute the code. This enables a remote attacker who has access to the ports to remotely execute code that may allow root access to be obtained.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10635 affects Universal Robots Robot Controllers running specific software versions, creating a critical remote code execution risk through improperly secured communication ports. This flaw exists within the CB 3.1 firmware version with SW Version 3.4.5-100 where ports 30001 through 30003 are configured to accept and execute URScript code without proper authentication mechanisms. The affected system exposes these ports to external network access, allowing attackers to send malicious script payloads that execute with the privileges of the running robot controller process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of input validation and authentication controls on the communication ports. URScript is Universal Robots' proprietary scripting language designed for robot programming and control, but when executed through these exposed ports without proper security measures, it creates an attack surface where arbitrary code can be executed. The vulnerability operates at the network level where the robot controller listens for incoming connections on these specific TCP ports, and any data received is directly interpreted and executed as URScript code without verification of source or integrity.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe security risk for industrial environments as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over the robot controller system. The execution of code with root privileges creates potential for system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of industrial processes. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to modify robot behavior, access sensitive operational data, or potentially use the compromised controller as a pivot point to attack other systems within the industrial network infrastructure. This risk is particularly concerning in manufacturing environments where robot controllers are often connected to critical production systems and may have access to sensitive operational data.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through script interpreters. The exposure of these ports without proper access controls violates fundamental security principles of network segmentation and least privilege access. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation to isolate robot controllers from general network access, disable unnecessary ports, and ensure proper firewall rules are in place to restrict access to these critical communication endpoints. Additionally, the affected systems should be updated to patched firmware versions, and network monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual traffic patterns on the exposed ports. The vulnerability highlights the importance of securing industrial control systems and demonstrates how default configurations can create dangerous attack vectors when proper security hardening is not implemented.