Description Preview
Due to inadequate code logic in the FactoryTalk Services Platform web service, a previously unauthenticated threat actor could obtain a local Windows OS user token and then use that token to authenticate to FactoryTalk Services Platform. This exploit is possible only if the authorized user has not previously logged in to the web service. The issue involves improper authentication (CWE-287) and token impersonation (CAPEC-633), with network-level access, no privileges required, and no user interaction. The vulnerability can impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and is fixed in version 2.80 or later. Mitigation requires upgrading to a patched version and applying recommended security practices.
Overview
This vulnerability arises from insufficient authentication logic in the FactoryTalk Services Platform web service, enabling a threat actor to obtain a local Windows token and use it to access the platform. It requires no user interaction and can be exploited over the network. The flaw is categorized as CWE-287 Improper Authentication and CAPEC-633 Token Impersonation, with a high potential impact if exploited. Only versions prior to 2.80 are affected; upgrading to a fixed release mitigates the issue.
Remediation
- Upgrade to FactoryTalk Services Platform version 2.80 or newer, as this version contains the remediation for the vulnerability. Verify compatibility with your environment using Rockwell’s compatibility tooling (the compatibility page linked in Rockwell’s notices) to determine the exact version that fits your deployment.
- After upgrading, review and apply Rockwell’s security guidance (QA43240) for hardened configuration and best practices.
- Verify that the web service requires proper authentication and that token issuance cannot be misused to log in as the user. Perform security testing to confirm the vulnerability is mitigated.
- If feasible, restrict access to the FactoryTalk Services Platform web service to trusted networks or authenticated clients to reduce exposure.
- Validate the environment post-upgrade with relevant security scans and maintain a process to apply future security updates promptly.
References
- Rockwell Automation: FactoryTalk Services Platform Elevated Privileges Vulnerability. https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1141165
- Compatibility and upgrade guidance for FactoryTalk Services Version (Compatibility page referenced in remediation). https://compatibility.rockwellautomation.com/Pages/MultiProductCompareSelections.aspx?crumb=113&versions=61602,60883,59837,59480,58564,57413,58591,59481,59482,59483,59484,59485,59486,59487,59488,59490,59491,59492,59493,59494,59495,59496
- QA43240 - Recommended Security Guidelines from Rockwell Automation. https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1085012
- CWE-287: Improper Authentication. https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/287.html
- CAPEC-633: Token Impersonation. https://capec.mitre.org/data/definitions/633.html
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low