CVE-2023-1864 in ROBOGUIDE-HandlingPRO
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2023
FANUC ROBOGUIDE-HandlingPRO Versions 9 Rev.ZD and prior is vulnerable to a path traversal, which could allow an attacker to remotely read files on the system running the affected software.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
FANUC ROBOGUIDE-HandlingPRO versions 9 Rev.ZD and earlier contain a critical path traversal vulnerability that exposes systems to remote file access attacks. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the software's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and access unauthorized system resources. The flaw exists in the software's inability to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structures. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in industrial automation environments where system integrity and operational security are paramount. The affected software operates within manufacturing and robotics control systems, making it a potential entry point for adversaries seeking to compromise critical infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and represents a significant risk to industrial control systems that rely on FANUC products for automation processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that bypasses normal file access controls through directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. When the affected software processes these inputs without proper validation, it allows access to files outside the intended application directories, potentially exposing system configuration files, user credentials, operational data, or other sensitive information. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, enabling them to perform reconnaissance and data exfiltration from external networks. This weakness creates a direct pathway for information disclosure attacks and could potentially serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the industrial control environment. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where multiple industrial systems are interconnected, as successful exploitation could lead to lateral movement and broader system compromise.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple information disclosure to potentially disrupt manufacturing operations and compromise production integrity. Attackers could access proprietary process data, operational parameters, or control system configurations that might reveal critical business intelligence or system weaknesses. In industrial settings, unauthorized access to automation software could lead to production halts, quality control issues, or even safety hazards if critical process parameters are tampered with. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk for organizations that depend on FANUC ROBOGUIDE-HandlingPRO for their robotic automation workflows, as it undermines the security of their entire automated manufacturing ecosystem. Organizations utilizing this software may face regulatory compliance issues if sensitive operational data is exposed, particularly in industries governed by standards such as NIST SP 800-82 or IEC 62443. The risk is further compounded by the fact that many industrial environments lack the sophisticated network monitoring and intrusion detection capabilities found in traditional enterprise environments, making such attacks harder to detect and respond to effectively.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying available vendor patches and updates to upgrade to versions that address the path traversal vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify additional weaknesses in industrial control system environments. System administrators should monitor for unusual file access patterns and implement proper input validation measures. The implementation of defense-in-depth strategies including network monitoring, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits becomes crucial in protecting industrial automation environments. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions and restricting administrative access to critical systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in industrial software development, as outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-30 Risk Assessment Guidelines and ISO 27001 Information Security Management requirements. Regular security awareness training for industrial control system operators and administrators is also recommended to improve overall security posture and incident response capabilities.