CVE-2022-1797 in Logix Controllers
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2022
A malformed Class 3 common industrial protocol message with a cached connection can cause a denial-of-service condition in Rockwell Automation Logix Controllers, resulting in a major nonrecoverable fault. If the target device becomes unavailable, a user would have to clear the fault and redownload the user project file to bring the device back online.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1797 represents a critical denial-of-service condition affecting Rockwell Automation Logix Controllers that operates through manipulation of industrial protocol messages. This flaw specifically targets the Class 3 common industrial protocol implementation within these controllers, exploiting a weakness in how the system handles cached connections and malformed message structures. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in industrial control system security where protocol handling mechanisms fail to properly validate incoming message parameters, creating an opportunity for attackers to disrupt critical manufacturing and industrial processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the controller's communication stack. When a malformed Class 3 common industrial protocol message is received through a cached connection, the Logix Controller's processing logic fails to properly handle the unexpected message structure. This condition triggers an unhandled exception that results in a major nonrecoverable fault within the controller's operating system. The fault condition renders the device completely unavailable for its intended industrial control functions, effectively halting production processes that depend on the affected controller. The vulnerability specifically leverages the cached connection state to execute the attack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered without requiring a new connection establishment process.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to industrial environments where continuous operation is critical for production continuity. The affected Rockwell Automation Logix Controllers are commonly deployed in manufacturing environments where any disruption can result in significant financial losses, production delays, and potential safety hazards. The recovery process requires manual intervention including fault clearing procedures and complete project file redownload, which can take considerable time and may require specialized technical personnel. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability and reliability of industrial control systems, potentially affecting entire production lines and supply chain operations. The operational impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service and represents a critical weakness in industrial control system security posture.
The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, where insufficient validation of protocol message parameters leads to system instability. The cached connection aspect of the vulnerability highlights weaknesses in connection state management and session handling within industrial control systems. Organizations implementing industrial control systems should consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their operational technology environments, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors where availability and reliability are paramount. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed against properly configured systems, making it particularly concerning for industrial environments where security controls may be less sophisticated than traditional information technology environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation mechanisms within the controller's communication protocols, disabling unnecessary cached connections where possible, and establishing robust monitoring procedures to detect abnormal protocol behavior. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of industrial control systems to potentially malicious traffic. Regular firmware updates should be applied to address known vulnerabilities, and system administrators should maintain detailed documentation of controller configurations and recovery procedures. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure protocol implementation in industrial environments and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of industrial control systems before deployment in operational environments. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed for industrial protocols to identify and alert on anomalous communication patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.