CVE-2022-2004 in DirectLOGIC
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2022
AutomationDirect DirectLOGIC is vulnerable to a a specially crafted packet can be sent continuously to the PLC to prevent access from DirectSoft and other devices, causing a denial-of-service condition. This issue affects: AutomationDirect DirectLOGIC D0-06 series CPUs D0-06DD1 versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DD2 versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DR versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DA versions prior to 2.72; D0-06AR versions prior to 2.72; D0-06AA versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DD1-D versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DD2-D versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DR-D versions prior to 2.72;
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2004 affects AutomationDirect DirectLOGIC D0-06 series programmable logic controllers, specifically targeting the communication protocols used for device access and control. This issue represents a denial-of-service condition that can be triggered through the continuous transmission of specially crafted packets to the affected PLCs. The vulnerability impacts multiple variants within the D0-06 series including DD1, DD2, DR, DA, AR, and AA models, as well as their respective D-version variants. The affected hardware operates under firmware versions prior to 2.72, indicating that this represents a long-standing weakness in the communication handling mechanisms of these industrial control devices.
The technical flaw resides in the insufficient validation and handling of incoming network packets within the PLC's communication stack. When malicious or malformed packets are continuously transmitted to the affected controllers, the system fails to properly process these inputs, leading to resource exhaustion or protocol state corruption. This behavior creates a condition where legitimate access attempts from DirectSoft and other authorized devices are blocked or delayed, effectively preventing operators from maintaining control over the industrial processes. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol level, where the PLC does not adequately implement rate limiting, packet filtering, or robust error handling mechanisms to distinguish between legitimate and malicious traffic patterns. This weakness allows an attacker to exploit the communication interface without requiring authentication or elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where continuous operation is critical.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can lead to significant production downtime and potential safety hazards in industrial settings. When the PLC becomes unresponsive to legitimate access attempts, operators lose the ability to monitor, configure, or control the connected machinery and processes. The continuous packet flooding can cause the PLC to become temporarily or permanently inaccessible, forcing operators to manually intervene through physical access or alternative control methods. In critical infrastructure applications, such as manufacturing lines, chemical processing, or power generation facilities, this denial-of-service condition could result in production halts, safety system failures, or emergency shutdown procedures that may require extensive restart protocols and system validation. The vulnerability particularly affects industrial environments where real-time control and monitoring are essential for operational continuity and safety compliance.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2004 should focus on both immediate firmware updates and network-level protections. The primary remediation involves upgrading all affected D0-06 series PLCs to firmware version 2.72 or later, which includes patches addressing the packet handling vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit direct network access to these controllers, utilizing firewalls and network access control lists to restrict communication to authorized devices only. Implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify unusual packet patterns or rate limiting mechanisms can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should establish monitoring protocols to detect when PLC communication becomes disrupted and implement redundant access paths or backup control systems to maintain operational continuity during potential attack scenarios. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-400, which covers unspecified errors in resource management, and represents a potential ATT&CK technique under T1499 for network disruption and T1566 for social engineering through network attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that verify all communications and limit lateral movement within industrial control networks to reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities.