ICS Advisory

AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Release Date
Alert Code
ICSA-24-144-01

View CSAF

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  • CVSS v4 9.3
  • ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
  • Vendor: AutomationDirect
  • Equipment: Productivity PLCs
  • Vulnerabilities: Buffer Access with Incorrect Length Value, Out-of-bounds Write, Stack-based Buffer Overflow, Improper Access Control, Active Debug Code, Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could lead to remote code execution and denial of service.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

AutomationDirect reports the following versions of Productivity PLCs are affected:

  • Productivity 3000 P3-550E CPU: FW 1.2.10.9
  • Productivity 3000 P3-550E CPU: SW 4.1.1.10
  • Productivity 3000 P3-550 CPU: FW 1.2.10.9
  • Productivity 3000 P3-550 CPU: SW 4.1.1.10
  • Productivity 3000 P3-530 CPU: FW 1.2.10.9
  • Productivity 3000 P3-530 CPU: SW 4.1.1.10
  • Productivity 2000 P2-550 CPU: FW 1.2.10.10
  • Productivity 2000 P2-550 CPU: SW 4.1.1.10
  • Productivity 1000 P1-550 CPU: FW 1.2.10.10
  • Productivity 1000 P1-550 CPU: SW 4.1.1.10
  • Productivity 1000 P1-540 CPU: FW 1.2.10.10
  • Productivity 1000 P1-540 CPU: SW 4.1.1.10

3.2 Vulnerability Overview

3.2.1 Buffer Access with Incorrect Length Value CWE-805

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the Programming Software Connection FiBurn functionality of AutomationDirect P3-550E 1.2.10.9. A specially crafted network packet can lead to a buffer overflow. An attacker can send an unauthenticated packet to trigger this vulnerability.

CVE-2024-24851 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24851. A base score of 8.7 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.2 Out-of-bounds Write CWE-787

A length exceeded buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the Programming Software Connection CurrDir functionality of AutomationDirect P3-550E 1.2.10.9. A specially crafted network packet can lead to a denial of service. An attacker can send an unauthenticated packet to trigger this vulnerability.

CVE-2024-24946 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24946. A base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.3 Out-of-bounds Write CWE-787

An allocation failed buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the Programming Software Connection CurrDir functionality of AutomationDirect P3-550E 1.2.10.9. A specially crafted network packet can lead to a denial of service. An attacker can send an unauthenticated packet to trigger this vulnerability.

CVE-2024-24947 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24947. A base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.4 Out-of-bounds Write CWE-787

A null-byte write vulnerability exists 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.

CVE-2024-24954 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24954. A base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.5 Out-of-bounds Write CWE-787

A null-byte write vulnerability exists 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.

CVE-2024-24955 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24955. A base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.6 Out-of-bounds Write CWE-787

A null-byte write vulnerability exists 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.

CVE-2024-24956 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24956. A base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.7 Out-of-bounds Write CWE-787

A null-byte write vulnerability exists 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.

CVE-2024-24957 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24957. A base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.8 Out-of-bounds Write CWE-787

A null-byte write vulnerability exists 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.

CVE-2024-24958 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24958. A base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.9 Out-of-bounds Write CWE-787

A null-byte write vulnerability exists 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.

CVE-2024-24959 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24959. A base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.10 Stack-based Buffer Overflow CWE-121

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.

CVE-2024-24962 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24962. A base score of 9.3 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.11 Stack-based Buffer Overflow CWE-121

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.

CVE-2024-24963 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-24963. A base score of 9.3 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.12 Improper Access Control CWE-284

A write-what-where vulnerability exists in the Programming Software Connection Remote Memory Diagnostics functionality of AutomationDirect P3-550E 1.2.10.9. A specially crafted network packet can lead to an arbitrary write. An attacker can send an unauthenticated packet to trigger this vulnerability.

CVE-2024-22187 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.1 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-22187. A base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.13 Improper Access Control CWE-284

A read-what-where vulnerability exists in the Programming Software Connection IMM 01A1 Memory Read functionality of AutomationDirect P3-550E 1.2.10.9. A specially crafted network packet can lead to a disclosure of sensitive information. An attacker can send an unauthenticated packet to trigger this vulnerability.

CVE-2024-23315 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-23315. A base score of 8.7 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.14 Active Debug Code CWE-489

Leftover debug code exists in the Telnet Diagnostic Interface functionality of AutomationDirect P3-550E 1.2.10.9. A specially crafted series of network requests can lead to unauthorized access. An attacker can send a sequence of requests to trigger this vulnerability.

CVE-2024-21785 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-21785. A base score of 9.3 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.2.15 Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity CWE-345

A code injection vulnerability exists in the scan_lib.bin functionality of AutomationDirect P3-550E 1.2.10.9. A specially crafted scan_lib.bin can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.

CVE-2024-23601 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-23601. A base score of 9.3 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.3 BACKGROUND

  • CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Commercial Facilities, Critical Manufacturing, Information Technology
  • COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
  • COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: United States

3.4 RESEARCHER

Matt Wiseman of CISCO TALOS reported these vulnerabilities to AutomationDirect.

4. MITIGATIONS

AutomationDirect recommends that users:

  • Update the Productivity Suite programming software to version 4.2.0.x or higher.
  • Update Productivity PLC's firmware to the latest version.

Although Automation Networks and Systems come equipped with built-in password protection mechanisms, this represents a fraction of the security measures needed to safeguard these systems. It is imperative that Automation Control System Networks integrate data protection and security measures that match, if not exceed, the robustness of conventional business computer systems. AutomationDirect advises users of PLCs, HMI products, and SCADA systems to conduct a thorough network security analysis to ascertain the appropriate level of security necessary for their specific application.

AutomationDirect has identified the following mitigation for instances where systems cannot be upgraded to latest version:

  • Physically disconnect the PLC from any external networks, including the internet, local area networks (LANs), and other interconnected systems.
  • Configure network segmentation to isolate PLC from other devices and systems withing the organization.
  • Implement firewall rules or network access control (NAC) policies to block incoming and outgoing traffic to the PLC.

Please refer to the following link for supporting information related to security considerations. https://support.automationdirect.com/docs/securityconsiderations.pdf

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact AutomationDirect Technical Support at 770-844-4200 or 800-633-0405 for further assistance.

CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of these vulnerabilities, such as:

  • Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet.
  • Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
  • When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.

CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.

CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.

CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.

Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.

Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.

CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:

No known public exploitation specifically targeting these vulnerabilities has been reported to CISA at this time.

5. UPDATE HISTORY

  • May 23, 2024: Initial Publication

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Vendor

  • AutomationDirect