CVE-2021-27464 in FactoryTalk AssetCentre
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2022
The ArchiveService.rem service in Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk AssetCentre v10.00 and earlier exposes functions lacking proper authentication. This vulnerability may allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary SQL statements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2022
The ArchiveService.rem service in Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk AssetCentre version 10.00 and earlier presents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of industrial automation systems. This vulnerability resides within the remote execution interface of the asset management platform, which is commonly deployed in manufacturing and industrial control environments where operational technology security is paramount. The flaw manifests as insufficient authentication mechanisms within the ArchiveService.rem component, creating an attack vector that allows unauthorized remote access to core system functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper authentication checks within the ArchiveService.rem service interface. When the service processes incoming requests, it fails to validate the identity of callers before executing requested operations, particularly those involving database interactions. This authentication bypass enables attackers to directly invoke functions that should be restricted to authorized users, potentially allowing them to manipulate the underlying database through SQL injection techniques. The service's exposure to remote network access without proper credential verification creates an environment where malicious actors can exploit this weakness from outside the organization's network perimeter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables remote code execution through SQL injection attacks. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification of critical operational parameters, or complete system compromise. In industrial environments where FactoryTalk AssetCentre manages asset information and operational data, such an attack could disrupt production processes, compromise safety systems, or provide attackers with access to sensitive operational data. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or insider knowledge of internal network configurations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a significant risk within the context of industrial control systems where security by obscurity is insufficient. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation and defense evasion technique, as attackers can leverage the service to gain elevated privileges and maintain persistence within the industrial network. Organizations implementing the affected software should prioritize immediate remediation through official patches provided by Rockwell Automation, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable service. Additional mitigations include disabling unnecessary remote access to the ArchiveService.rem component and monitoring network traffic for suspicious SQL query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of securing industrial automation platforms against remote exploitation. Many industrial environments lack the sophisticated security controls found in traditional enterprise networks, making vulnerabilities like this particularly dangerous. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their industrial control systems to identify similar authentication weaknesses in other services and ensure proper network segmentation between operational technology and corporate IT networks. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes become essential components of industrial cybersecurity programs to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in critical infrastructure systems.