CVE-2024-24957 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 `0xb6aa4`.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24957 represents a critical heap-based out-of-bounds write flaw within the Programming Software Connection FileSystem API of AutomationDirect P3-550E industrial control device firmware version 1.2.10.9. This issue manifests as an arbitrary null-byte write vulnerability that occurs at a specific memory offset of 0xb6aa4, exposing the device to potential exploitation through network-based attacks. The affected system operates within industrial automation environments where reliable and secure operation is paramount for safety and operational continuity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the filesystem API functionality that handles network packet processing. When the device receives specially crafted network packets, the malformed data triggers a memory corruption condition that allows an attacker to write null bytes beyond the intended memory boundaries. This particular memory corruption occurs in the heap memory region, making it particularly dangerous as it can lead to memory layout corruption, potential code execution, or system instability. The vulnerability specifically targets the offset 0xb6aa4, indicating a precise memory location where the bounds checking fails, allowing for arbitrary memory modification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates potential pathways for attackers to compromise the integrity of industrial control systems. In industrial environments, the P3-550E device serves as a critical component in automation processes where unauthorized access or system compromise could lead to production disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that attackers could potentially manipulate memory structures to redirect execution flow or corrupt critical system data, making this a serious concern for operational technology environments. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily through network-based exploitation where an attacker can send malicious packets to the affected device without requiring physical access or elevated privileges. The lack of input validation in the filesystem API creates a persistent risk that can be exploited by remote attackers who do not need to be authenticated to the system. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in network-accessible services. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in industrial control systems where network monitoring and intrusion detection may not be as comprehensive as in traditional IT environments, making detection and prevention more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-24957 should include immediate firmware updates from AutomationDirect to address the memory bounds checking deficiencies in the filesystem API. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected device to untrusted networks, while network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of industrial control systems should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, as this type of heap-based memory corruption is a common class of vulnerability in embedded systems and industrial automation equipment.