CVE-2024-11364 in Arena
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2024
Another “uninitialized variable” code execution vulnerability exists in the Rockwell Automation Arena® that could allow a threat actor to craft a DOE file and force the software to access a variable prior to it being initialized. If exploited, a threat actor could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code. To exploit this vulnerability, a legitimate user must execute the malicious code crafted by the threat actor.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical uninitialized variable flaw in Rockwell Automation Arena software that falls under the CWE-457 category for use of uninitialized variables. The vulnerability exists within the software's handling of DOE (Design of Experiments) files, where a threat actor can craft a malicious file that triggers the execution of arbitrary code through improper memory access patterns. The root cause stems from the software's failure to properly initialize variables before their first use, creating a potential code execution pathway that directly violates secure coding practices. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial control systems environments where software integrity and predictability are paramount for operational safety.
The technical exploitation requires a legitimate user to execute the malicious DOE file, which means the vulnerability operates within the context of user interaction rather than being a purely remote attack vector. This user execution requirement aligns with ATT&CK technique T1204.002 for legitimate user execution, but the underlying flaw creates a privilege escalation opportunity once the malicious file is processed. The uninitialized variable access pattern creates a memory access violation that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, potentially allowing threat actors to inject and execute malicious code within the software environment. This represents a classic buffer overflow precursor vulnerability that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems where Rockwell Automation Arena is deployed. In manufacturing and industrial automation environments, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate production processes, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt critical manufacturing operations. The vulnerability's presence in a design tool means that threat actors could potentially corrupt design files, introduce backdoors, or gain persistent access to industrial networks through compromised design workflows. The risk is amplified because the software's legitimate use cases involve handling complex engineering data that may contain sensitive process information or intellectual property.
Mitigation strategies should focus on both immediate software updates and operational security measures to address this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize applying vendor patches and updates as soon as they become available, while simultaneously implementing strict file validation procedures for DOE files. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit user privileges and reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of executing untrusted files, particularly in industrial environments where the consequences of compromise can extend beyond traditional cybersecurity concerns. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in industrial software environments, as outlined in NIST SP 800-160 and ISO/IEC 27001 security standards.