External risk intelligence

Rockwell Automation EtherNet/IP Modules Improper Authentication Vulnerability.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2012-6437

The affected products are industrial control systems and communication modules designed for isolated industrial networks. They are not intended for public internet exposure. While network-reachable within a plant environment, direct exposure to the public internet is a non-standard deployment configuration.

Authentication Bypass

Rockwellautomation Controllogix Controllers

20 and earlier1100 and earlier1400 and earlier19 and earlier18 and earlier

Halo Surface Signal: 2 out of 5 — less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The identified Rockwell Automation devices have a flaw in their user authentication mechanisms. This weakness allows a remote user to upload unauthorized firmware, which could be either corrupt or legitimate. The consequences of exploiting this vulnerability can lead to significant disruptions in operations and data security.

Vulnerable components: Rockwell Automation communication modules and controllers.
Core weakness: Improper user authentication.
Main business impact: Loss of availability, integrity, and confidentiality.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit a vulnerability in specific Rockwell Automation devices by uploading a modified firmware image. This action bypasses user authentication and can disrupt operations, impacting data integrity and system availability. The potential for unauthorized firmware replacement could lead to significant business risk by compromising control processes and communication.

Network access required for exposure.
Attacker uploads new firmware.
Control and communications are impacted.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to upload unauthorized firmware to industrial control system communication modules. Successful exploitation could lead to a loss of system availability, data integrity, and confidentiality, disrupting operations. The affected systems are typically found in industrial environments.

Attackers with moderate skill.
Network access to the industrial control system.
High business risk and urgency.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows for unauthorized firmware uploads, potentially compromising device availability, integrity, and confidentiality. Successful exploitation could disrupt communications with connected devices. Organizations utilizing affected Rockwell Automation products should prioritize immediate risk mitigation and remediation efforts.

Identify all exposed assets.
Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
Apply vendor fixes and verify.
Monitor for related issues.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Free EASM Trial See How Signal Works

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of Rockwell Automation EtherNet/IP communication modules?

Rockwell Automation EtherNet/IP communication modules are essential components in industrial control systems, facilitating real-time data exchange across various applications such as discrete manufacturing, process control, safety systems, and motion control. They connect devices like sensors and controllers to plant-wide networks, enabling seamless information flow from the factory floor to higher-level enterprise systems.

What specific weakness does CVE-2012-6437 represent?

CVE-2012-6437 represents a failure to implement proper authentication, classified under the CWE-287 weakness class. This means that the affected Rockwell Automation devices do not adequately verify the identity of users attempting to access them, creating an opening for unauthorized actions.

How can an attacker exploit the CVE-2012-6437 vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a new firmware image to the affected Ethernet card, bypassing the device's weak authentication mechanisms. This uploaded firmware could be either corrupt or legitimate, leading to system compromise.

What is the potential impact of exploiting CVE-2012-6437 on industrial operations?

Successful exploitation of CVE-2012-6437 can result in a loss of availability, integrity, and confidentiality for the affected Rockwell Automation devices. This can lead to significant disruptions in communications with other connected devices and compromise critical industrial processes.

What actions should be taken to address the Rockwell Automation firmware upload vulnerability?

Organizations using affected Rockwell Automation products should identify all exposed assets, reduce or isolate any identified risks, and apply vendor-provided fixes. It is also crucial to monitor for any related issues and verify that the applied remediations are effective in mitigating the vulnerability.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.