CVE-2024-24956 in Productivity 3000 P3-550E
Summary
by MITRE • 05/28/2024
Several out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities exist in the Programming Software Connection FileSystem API functionality of AutomationDirect P3-550E 1.2.10.9. Specially crafted network packets can lead to heap-based memory corruption. An attacker can send malicious packets to trigger these vulnerabilities.This CVE tracks the arbitrary null-byte write vulnerability located in firmware 1.2.10.9 of the P3-550E at offset `0xb6a38`.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24956 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the AutomationDirect P3-550E programmable logic controller firmware version 1.2.10.9. This issue specifically affects the Connection FileSystem API functionality, which serves as a core component for network communication and file system operations within the device. The vulnerability manifests as a heap-based memory corruption issue that can be triggered through specially crafted network packets, making it particularly dangerous in networked industrial environments where such devices operate. The flaw is particularly concerning because it exists in the firmware layer, meaning it affects the device's core operational capabilities rather than just application-level functions. The vulnerability is tracked at a specific memory offset of 0xb6a38, indicating a precise location within the firmware's memory structure where the null-byte write operation occurs, potentially allowing for arbitrary memory modification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Connection FileSystem API module. When the device receives network packets designed to exploit this flaw, the system fails to properly bounds-check array indices or buffer sizes before performing memory write operations. This allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, specifically targeting a heap-based memory region at the designated offset. The nature of heap-based memory corruption means that the attacker can potentially overwrite critical data structures, function pointers, or other memory segments that control the device's operational flow. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability's exploitation path through network packets aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application, indicating that it can be leveraged from external network positions to compromise the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can potentially allow for complete system compromise of the P3-550E device. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized control over the programmable logic controller, potentially leading to unauthorized process control, data manipulation, or system disruption. In industrial control systems environments, such compromise could result in production line shutdowns, safety system failures, or unauthorized access to critical manufacturing processes. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that the memory corruption could affect various system components including network stack functionality, file system operations, or even the device's runtime environment. Given that the P3-550E is used in industrial automation settings, the potential for cascading failures across connected systems makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous. The arbitrary null-byte write capability suggests that attackers could potentially manipulate memory to redirect execution flow or corrupt critical system parameters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-24956 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves applying the firmware update provided by AutomationDirect to address the specific memory bounds checking issues within the Connection FileSystem API. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the P3-550E to untrusted networks, following ATT&CK technique T1046: Network Service Scanning to reduce attack surface. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on malformed network traffic targeting the affected API functionality. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems with signatures specific to this vulnerability can help identify exploitation attempts in real-time. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary network services and ports on the device to minimize potential attack vectors, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other industrial control system components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure firmware development practices and proper input validation, particularly in critical infrastructure devices where security cannot be compromised.