Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and GuardLogix
Plan Patch8.6ICS-CERT ICSA-24-030-05Jan 30, 2024
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary
A denial-of-service vulnerability exists in Rockwell Automation ControlLogix 5570 and GuardLogix 5570 programmable logic controllers. The flaw allows an attacker with network access to send a specially crafted packet that crashes the device by triggering a buffer overflow (CWE-119). The affected firmware versions are ControlLogix 5570 v20.011, ControlLogix 5570 Redundancy v20.054_kit1, and GuardLogix 5570 v20.011. Exploitation causes the PLC to stop responding and requires manual restart to restore operations. No user interaction or credentials are required; the attacker needs only network reachability to the device.
What this means
What could happen
An attacker with network access to an affected ControlLogix or GuardLogix PLC could send a crafted packet to crash the device, causing a denial of service and stopping automated process control until the device is manually restarted.
Who's at risk
Water treatment plants, municipal electric utilities, and other critical infrastructure operators running Rockwell Automation ControlLogix 5570 or GuardLogix 5570 PLCs should care about this vulnerability. It affects programmable logic controllers used to automate pump stations, treatment processes, distribution systems, and safety functions. Any facility using these devices for process automation is at risk.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the same network segment or with routed access to the PLC sends a malformed packet that triggers a buffer overflow or out-of-bounds memory access in the firmware. The PLC crashes and stops responding to control commands. No user interaction or prior authentication is needed.
Prerequisites
- Network access to the PLC on its control port (typically port 2222 for EtherNet/IP)
- The PLC must be running one of the affected firmware versions (v20.011 or earlier)
remotely exploitableno authentication requiredlow complexity attackcauses denial of service to critical control devicesaffects safety-related systems (GuardLogix)
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.4%)
Affected products (3)
3 with fix
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
GuardLogix 5570: Firmware__20.011Firmware 20.011v33.016, v34.013, v35.012, v36.011 or later
ControlLogix 5570: Firmware__20.011Firmware 20.011v33.016, v34.013, v35.012, v36.011 or later
ControlLogix 5570 redundant: Firmware__20.054_kit1Firmware 20.054 kit1v33.016, v34.013, v35.012, v36.011 or later
Remediation & Mitigation
0/6
Do now
0/1WORKAROUNDRestrict network access to PLCs using firewall rules; allow only engineering workstations and control network traffic to reach the device
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/3Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HOTFIXUpdate ControlLogix 5570 firmware to v33.016, v34.013, v35.012, v36.011 or later
HOTFIXUpdate ControlLogix 5570 Redundancy firmware to v33.053_kit1, v34.052_kit1, v35.052_kit1, v36.051_kit1 or later
HOTFIXUpdate GuardLogix 5570 firmware to v33.016, v34.013, v35.012, v36.011 or later
Long-term hardening
0/2HARDENINGIsolate control system network from corporate/business network using a firewall or network segmentation
HARDENINGEnsure PLCs are not reachable from the internet or untrusted networks
CVEs (1)
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/api/v1/advisories/d986bf99-ecae-4b4a-84e9-04837e7c9b7b