CVE-2024-3640 in Factory Talk Remote Access
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2024
An unquoted executable path exists in the Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk® Remote Access™ possibly resulting in remote code execution if exploited. While running the FTRA installer package, the executable path is not properly quoted, which could allow a threat actor to enter a malicious executable and run it as a System user. A threat actor needs admin privileges to exploit this vulnerability.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2026
The vulnerability under discussion involves an unquoted executable path within Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Remote Access software, representing a significant security weakness that could potentially lead to remote code execution when properly exploited. This flaw exists during the installation process of the FTRA package where the installer fails to properly quote executable paths, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and malicious code injection. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of path strings in the Windows installer configuration, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow by placing malicious executables in directories that are searched before the intended target. According to common weakness enumeration standards, this corresponds to CWE-15 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in preprocessor directives in a way that can lead to command injection and privilege escalation scenarios. The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only administrative privileges to exploit, making it accessible to threat actors who have already gained some level of access to the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the FactoryTalk Remote Access installer creates registry entries or service configurations that contain executable paths without proper quotation marks. When Windows resolves these paths during execution, it treats spaces as delimiters and searches through directories in the PATH environment variable until it finds the first matching executable. This behavior allows an attacker to place a malicious binary with the same name as the intended target in a directory that appears earlier in the search path, effectively hijacking the legitimate execution flow. The privilege escalation aspect becomes critical because these installations often run with SYSTEM privileges, meaning any code executed through this vector would also run with elevated permissions. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068 which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' and specifically addresses the exploitation of service misconfigurations and path manipulation. The fact that a threat actor requires admin privileges to initially exploit this vulnerability does not diminish its severity, as the subsequent privilege escalation can result in complete system compromise.
The implications extend beyond simple code execution as this vulnerability represents a broader class of installation-time security flaws that can be exploited across multiple software vendors. When properly configured, the unquoted path vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can maintain access even after initial compromise due to the elevated privileges associated with the service execution. The attack surface is particularly wide because it affects not just the installation process but also any automated deployment or update mechanisms that rely on similar path handling patterns. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and quoting in installer configurations, as well as the necessity of conducting thorough security reviews during software development lifecycle phases. Organizations deploying FactoryTalk Remote Access solutions must implement immediate mitigations including proper path quoting during installation procedures, enforcement of least privilege principles for installation processes, and regular monitoring for unauthorized changes to service configurations. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive patch management programs that address both known vulnerabilities and potential variations in how different software components handle executable paths. Regular security assessments should include checks for similar unquoted path conditions across all installed software, as this represents a common pattern that can be leveraged for persistent access and privilege escalation within enterprise environments.