ICSA-20-051-01_B&R Automation Studio and Automation Runtime
Act Now9.4ICS-CERT ICSA-20-051-01Feb 20, 2020
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary
B&R Automation Studio and Automation Runtime contain hardcoded SNMP credentials that cannot be changed due to product-technical limitations. An attacker with network access to the SNMP service (port 161) can use these default credentials to access and potentially modify system information and configuration on the controller. B&R has confirmed that older versions of both products are affected and states there are no technical means to change the SNMP credentials. Newer Automation Studio versions (4.6.5, 4.7.3, 4.8.2 and higher) will disable SNMP by default in newly created projects to reduce this risk. B&R recommends disabling SNMP if it is not required for operations.
What this means
What could happen
An attacker could use hardcoded SNMP credentials to remotely access B&R industrial controllers, potentially allowing them to read sensitive configuration data, modify process parameters, or disrupt operations.
Who's at risk
Manufacturing facilities using B&R Automation Studio and Automation Runtime controllers in PLCs and industrial automation systems. This affects engineers and plant operations who rely on these platforms for process control and monitoring.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with network access to an affected Automation Runtime controller can query the SNMP service using hardcoded default credentials. Once authenticated to SNMP, the attacker gains access to system information objects that may expose configuration details or allow modification of controlled parameters, depending on SNMP read/write permissions.
Prerequisites
- Network access to port 161 (SNMP) on the Automation Runtime controller
- Default SNMP credentials are unchanged and available in the controller's configuration
remotely exploitableno authentication required (default credentials)low complexityaffects industrial control systemsno patch available for older versions
Exploitability
Moderate exploit probability (EPSS 1.1%)
Affected products (2)
1 with fix1 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Automation Runtime:2.96 | 3.00 | 3.01 | 3.06 | 3.07 | ≥ 3.08 | ≤ 3.10 | ≥ 4.00 | ≤ 4.03 | ≥ 4.03 | ≤ 4.04 | ≥ 4.04 | ≤ 4.63 | ≥ 4.72No fix (EOL)
Automation Studio:2.7 | 3.0.71 | 3.0.80 | 3.0.81 | 3.0.90 | ≥ 4.0.x | ≤ 4.6.4 | 4.7.24.6.5, 4.7.3, 4.8.2 or later
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/2WORKAROUNDDisable the SNMP service on all Automation Runtime controllers if SNMP monitoring is not required for operations
HARDENINGRestrict network access to SNMP port 161 using firewall rules; allow only authorized management workstations to communicate with the controller on this port
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HOTFIXUpdate Automation Studio to version 4.6.5 or higher (4.7.3+ or 4.8.2+), which disables SNMP by default in new projects
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1Automation Runtime: has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGIsolate Automation Runtime controllers from direct Internet access and locate them behind a firewall on a separate control network
CVEs (1)
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