Omron Network Configurator for DeviceNet (Update A)

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• CVSS v3 7.3
• ATTENTION: Low skill level to exploit
• Vendor: Omron
• Equipment: Network Configurator for DeviceNet 
• Vulnerability: Untrusted Search Path

2. UPDATE INFORMATION

This updated advisory is a follow-up to the original advisory titled ICSA-19-134-01 Omron Network Configurator for DeviceNet that was published May 14, 2019, on the ICS webpage on us-cert.gov.

3. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to achieve arbitrary code execution under the privileges of the application.

4. TECHNICAL DETAILS

4.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of Network Configurator for DeviceNet Safety are affected:

• Network Configurator for DeviceNet Safety 3.41 and prior

4.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

4.2.1    UNTRUSTED SEARCH PATH CWE-426

The application searches for resources by means of an untrusted search path that could execute a malicious .dll file not under the application's direct control and outside the intended directories.

CVE-2019-10971 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 7.3 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

4.3 BACKGROUND

• CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing
• COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
• COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Japan

4.4 RESEARCHER

The researcher with the handle n0b0dy sent information to CISA, leading to the discovery of this vulnerability.

5. MITIGATIONS

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Omron has released Version 3.42 of Network Configurator for DeviceNet Safety to address the reported vulnerability. Users can download the latest version of Network Configurator for DeviceNet Safety.

Omron has recommended applying the following for further mitigation:

• Remove or restrict directories listed in the PATH environment variable.
• Ensure system directories are writable only by administrators, which is Windows’ initial configuration.
• Operate Windows PCs with a standard user (non-administrator) account. Administrator accounts should be used only when necessary.
• Ensure there are no untrusted files in the directory where the application is installed.
• Confirm no untrusted files exist in the same directory before double-clicking project file or copying the project file to a trusted directory or a newly-created temporary directory.

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

• Do not click web links or open unsolicited attachments in email messages. 
• Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams. 
• Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information on social engineering attacks.

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 us-cert.gov. Several recommended practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.

Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage on us-cert.gov in the Technical Information Paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.



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

No known public exploits specifically target this vulnerability. This vulnerability is not exploitable remotely.

• Omron