CVE-2024-24962 in Productivity 3000 P3-550E
Summary
by MITRE • 05/28/2024
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the Programming Software Connection FileSelect functionality of AutomationDirect P3-550E 1.2.10.9. A specially crafted network packet can lead to stack-based buffer overflow. An attacker can send an unauthenticated packet to trigger this vulnerability.This CVE tracks the stack-based buffer overflow that occurs at offset `0xb6e98` of v1.2.10.9 of the P3-550E firmware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24962 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the AutomationDirect P3-550E Programmable Logic Controller firmware version 1.2.10.9. This flaw specifically affects the Connection FileSelect functionality, which serves as a network interface component for managing connections and file operations within the industrial control system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the firmware's network packet processing routines, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered remotely without authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at a specific memory offset of 0xb6e98 within the firmware binary, indicating a precise location where the buffer overflow manifests during packet processing. When a maliciously crafted network packet is transmitted to the device, the system fails to properly validate the size or content of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This failure results in memory corruption that can overwrite adjacent stack variables, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow affects the program's call stack, which can be particularly dangerous as it may allow attackers to manipulate return addresses and function pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it presents a significant risk to industrial control systems that rely on the P3-550E for critical operations. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely to gain unauthorized access to the device, potentially leading to disruption of industrial processes, data manipulation, or even physical system compromise. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any network-connected device running this firmware version is immediately at risk, regardless of network segmentation or traditional access controls. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploitation of remote services and T1072 for use of remote services in lateral movement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-24962 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from AutomationDirect to address the identified stack overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to industrial control systems and employ network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strict access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware in industrial environments, as outdated software versions often contain unpatched security flaws that can be exploited by threat actors targeting critical infrastructure.