Rockwell Automation Arena
Plan Patch7.8ICS-CERT ICSA-23-299-04Oct 26, 2023
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionRequired
Summary
Rockwell Automation Arena version 16.20.00001 contains a memory buffer overflow (CWE-125) and uninitialized pointer (CWE-824) vulnerability. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction—the attacker must convince a user to open a malicious Arena project file or input data. The vulnerability is not remotely exploitable and no known public exploitation has been reported.
What this means
What could happen
An attacker with local access to a machine running Arena could exploit a memory buffer overflow or uninitialized pointer to run arbitrary code, potentially allowing manipulation of simulation logic or process data that Arena is modeling or controlling.
Who's at risk
Organizations using Rockwell Automation Arena for simulation, training, or process modeling—particularly those in manufacturing, water treatment, or utilities that use Arena for production planning or operator training—should be concerned. The risk is highest in environments where operators or engineers receive simulation files from external sources or untrusted parties.
How it could be exploited
An attacker must first gain local access to the workstation or computer running Arena. They would then craft a malicious file (likely a project file, model, or input data) that triggers the buffer overflow or uninitialized pointer when Arena processes it. Upon opening the file, the application crashes or the memory corruption allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Arena user.
Prerequisites
- Local access to the workstation running Arena 16.20.00001
- User interaction required - victim must open or import a malicious Arena project or data file
- Arena application must be installed and running
Local exploitation only (not remotely exploitable)Requires user interaction (file opening)No patch available at time of advisory releaseLow attack complexityHigh impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability if code execution achieved
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.1%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Arena: 16.20.0000116.20.0000116.20.01
Remediation & Mitigation
0/4
Do now
0/2HARDENINGRestrict local access to workstations running Arena; limit user accounts with permission to install software or modify Arena project files
HARDENINGEducate users not to open Arena project files from untrusted sources or unexpected emails
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/2Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HOTFIXUpgrade Rockwell Automation Arena to version 16.20.01 or later
HARDENINGImplement application whitelisting or endpoint protection to detect and block suspicious processes spawned by Arena
CVEs (2)
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API:
/api/v1/advisories/b06bad89-56c8-4462-8a89-0f0236308d43