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FATEK Automation WinProladder

Monitor7.8ICS-CERT ICSA-21-280-06Oct 7, 2021
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionRequired
Summary

FATEK Automation WinProladder versions 3.30 and earlier contain multiple memory corruption vulnerabilities (use-after-free, buffer overflow, integer overflow) in the ladder logic IDE that allow arbitrary code execution and information disclosure. The vulnerabilities require user interaction (opening a malicious file or project) to exploit. FATEK has not provided patches and does not plan to address these issues.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker could trick an engineer into opening a malicious WinProladder project file, leading to code execution on the engineering workstation. This could allow theft of ladder logic programs, modification of control logic before deployment, or lateral movement into the plant network.
Who's at risk
Plant and facility automation engineers using FATEK WinProladder to develop and program ladder logic controllers. This affects water utilities, electric substations, wastewater treatment plants, and other facilities that rely on FATEK PLCs for process control. The risk is highest at sites where engineering workstations are networked or where logic files are shared electronically.
How it could be exploited
An attacker creates a malicious WinProladder project file (.pro or similar) and sends it to a plant engineer via email or file sharing. When the engineer opens the file in WinProladder, the memory corruption flaws trigger, executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the engineering workstation user. The attacker could then access or modify control system programs before they are deployed to PLCs.
Prerequisites
  • User interaction required: engineer must open a malicious WinProladder project file
  • WinProladder version 3.30 or earlier installed on engineering workstation
  • Access to deliver the malicious file to an engineer (email, USB, file server, etc.)
no patch availableuser interaction required (reduces remotely exploitable risk)affects engineering/development environment, not field devices directlymemory corruption flaws (heap overflow, use-after-free)could enable logic tampering or intellectual property theft
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.6%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
WinProladder:≤ 3.30No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/5
Do now
0/2
HARDENINGImplement email filtering and user awareness training to block social engineering attacks (phishing, malicious attachments)
WORKAROUNDUse host-based controls (antivirus, application whitelisting) on engineering workstations to detect or block code execution from WinProladder
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/2

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HARDENINGDiscontinue use of WinProladder versions 3.30 and earlier; migrate to an alternative ladder logic development environment with active vendor support
HARDENINGRestrict engineering workstation access to trusted personnel only; require code review and approval before deploying logic changes to production systems
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1
WinProladder: has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGIsolate engineering workstations on a separate network segment with strict egress filtering to limit lateral movement if compromised
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