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Rockwell Automation PLC Software Contains RCE Flaw

adminadmin—September 23, 20240
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Governance & Risk Management
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Operational Technology (OT)

Attackers Could Shut Down Operations Or Cause Physical Damage

Prajeet Nair (@prajeetspeaks) ,
David Perera (@daveperera) •
September 23, 2024    

Rockwell Automation PLC Software Contains RCE Flaw
Security researchers found a remote code execution flaw in Rockwell Automation PLC configuration software. (Image: Shutterstock)

A severe vulnerability in Rockwell Automation software used to configure programmable logic controllers could allow attackers to remotely execute malicious code.

See Also: The Vital Role of OT-Native Network Visibility and Security Monitoring Amid IT Frameworks

The flaw in Rockwell Automation-owned Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5 and RSLogix 500 software stems from insufficient verification of data that could allow attackers to perform remote code execution by injecting malicious code into project files, potentially compromising entire production systems.

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The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on Thursday said the flaw allows malicious actors to execute remote code by embedding Visual Basic for Applications scripts in project files, which are automatically executed on opening. The vulnerability was caused by insufficient verification of data authenticity.

The lack of data authenticity verification means attackers can trick legitimate users into running malicious scripts, leading to attackers having remote control over affected systems. Attackers could potentially shut down operations, modify processes or even cause physical damage by altering operational commands.

The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-7847, is rated 8.8 on the CVSS v4 scale. CISA advised immediate patching. The flaw affects all versions of RSLogix 5 and RSLogix 500, as well as related products such as RSLogix Micro Developer and Starter.

“Rockwell PLCs are ubiquitous in the U.S. manufacturing industry from automotive plants to pharmaceutical plants to food and beverage plans,” said Larry O’Brien, vice president, research at Arc Advisory Group. The RSLogix 5 and RSLogix 500 software are an older generation of software used to configure PLCs, O’Brien said. Aging software and devices are highly common in manufacturing, where control systems are seen more as an industrial asset than an IT component needing constant attention.

“This is something I’d definitely want to address as soon as there’s an opportunity. Most likely, we can address it pretty soon because it’s the programing software” rather than the PLC itself that contains the flaw, he told Information Security Media Group.

Manufacturers are only likely to boot up PLC programming software when they need to make a change to automated processes on the factory floor. Still, patching can be easier said than done, since most manufacturers have a diverse install base of automation products, O’Brien said.





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    Employing Automated Threat Detection

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    Implementing Patch Management Systems

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    Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

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    Automating Security Auditing and Compliance

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    Deploying Automated Data Backups and Recovery

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    Educating Employees with Security Awareness Training

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    Don't underestimate the importance of ethical hacking. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, cybersecurity has never been more pressing. According to a report by Emergen Research, the cybersecurity industry is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.0% to 13.4% from 2022 to 2030. This surge in demand reflects the critical importance of ethical hackers in fortifying digital infrastructure against the relentless onslaught of cyber threats.

    Embracing the Journey: Continuous Learning and Certification for Ethical Hackers

    Becoming an ethical hacker requires diverse skills and knowledge. Understanding the types of hackers is crucial, as it provides insights into how they operate. Armed with this knowledge, ethical hackers delve into cutting-edge tools and techniques. They leverage their skills to identify vulnerabilities and devise countermeasures.

    The responsibilities of an ethical hacker transcend merely identifying weaknesses. They also recommend solutions and implement robust security measures. Their expertise helps organizations fortify their defenses, minimize breaches, and protect sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands.

    The Tools of Ethical Hacking

    Curious about the tools an ethical hacker uses? They have access to a diverse range of tools. These tools allow them to probe and analyze digital systems, uncover weaknesses, and assess the resilience of security measures. While the specific tools vary based on the objectives and preferences of individual ethical hackers, there are several standard tools they employ. 

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    Another essential tool in the ethical hacker's arsenal is Metasploit. Metasploit is an open-source framework that facilitates penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It offers a wide range of exploits, payloads, and auxiliary modules, empowering ethical hackers to simulate real-world attack scenarios. Employing Metasploit's extensive collection of exploit codes, ethical hackers can uncover weaknesses, gain unauthorized access, and assess the system's defenses against potential threats.

    WireShark, a network protocol analyzer, is another indispensable tool for ethical hackers. It allows them to capture and examine network traffic, providing deep insights into the packets traversing the network. With WireShark, ethical hackers can scrutinize individual packets, analyze network protocols, and identify suspicious or malicious activity. This tool enables them to detect anomalies, trace the origin of potential security breaches, and assess the security posture of the network.

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    References:

    "Cybersecurity Market, By Component (Hardware, Solution, Service), By Security Type, By Solution, By Application (IT & Telecom, Retail, BFSI, Healthcare, Defense & Government, Manufacturing, Energy, Others), By Region Forecast to 2032". Www.Emergenresearch.Com, 2023, https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/cyber-security-market. Accessed 25 May 2023.

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    PSL’s Easy Guide to Understanding Cybersecurity

    The world of cybersecurity can often feel like a maze of technobabble and obscure acronyms. Yet in an era where our lives increasingly depend on digital infrastructure, it's important to have a basic understanding of the terminology involved. Learning about cybersecurity can help you avoid common mistakes and limit the chance of becoming a victim of these crimes.

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    2) Malware

    Malware is any malicious software that can damage or infiltrate computers without the user's consent.

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    Virus

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    Worm

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    Trojan

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    Ransomware

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    Spyware

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    4) Firewall

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    5) VPN (Virtual Private Network)

    A VPN masks your internet protocol (IP) address to make your online actions nearly untraceable. VPN services establish encrypted connections to provide much greater privacy while using the internet.

    6) Encryption

    Encryption converts data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. When data is encrypted, it appears as gibberish unless you have the decryption key to convert it back to its original form.

    7) Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

    2FA is a common security process in which users must provide two different authentication factors to gain access to an account. For example, in addition to a password, you might also need to enter a code sent to your phone.

    8) Darknet/Dark Web

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    9) Data Breach

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    10) Botnet

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    Closing Thoughts

    Understanding cybersecurity is not just for the tech-savvy; it's for everyone. We are all potential targets for cyber threats, and comprehension of basic cybersecurity terminology can make a significant difference in safeguarding ourselves and our digital assets.

    Employing cybersecurity measures also helps to keep your digital data safe. This might include using a VPN, enabling two-factor authentication, or simply being wary of suspicious emails to prevent phishing attacks.

    Ultimately, it's not necessary for everyone to be a cybersecurity expert, but a basic understanding of the key terms can be an empowering first step in better securing your digital life. This newfound knowledge can provide you the confidence to navigate the online world with more safety and assurance.