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Pilz: Multiple vulnerabilities in CODESYS V2 and V3 runtime system

Act Now9.8VDE-2021-054Apr 26, 2022
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

Multiple vulnerabilities exist in the CODESYS V2 and V3 runtime systems used by Pilz motion controllers and operator terminals. These runtime environments enable execution of IEC 61131-3 PLC programs. An attacker on the network can exploit these vulnerabilities to reduce availability and, in worst case scenarios, insert malicious program code into the controller. Vulnerabilities include buffer overflows, null pointer dereferences, improper input validation, and lack of security checks. The CODESYS V2 runtime is no longer supported by Pilz but remains included for compatibility. PMCprimo C and PMI 6 primo have no fix available.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with network access to these controllers could execute arbitrary code or cause operational failures. In the worst case, an attacker could alter PLC program behavior, modify safety-critical control logic, or halt machine operations.
Who's at risk
Manufacturing facilities using Pilz motion controllers (PMCprimo C, C2.0, C2.1, MC) and operator terminals (PMI 6 primo) should review their deployments immediately. These devices control machine motion and safety-critical operations in production lines and automation systems.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the network sends malformed or malicious packets to the CODESYS runtime system listening on the network port. The runtime system fails to properly validate or bounds-check the input, allowing the attacker to inject code or trigger a crash. No authentication is required.
Prerequisites
  • Network access to the controller (CODESYS runtime port)
  • No credentials required
remotely exploitableno authentication requiredlow complexityaffects safety systemsno patch available for some products
Affected products (5)
3 with fix2 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Motion controller PMCprimo CAll versionsNo fix (EOL)
Motion controller PMCprimo C2.0 (plug-in card)≤ 03.07.0003.08.00
Motion controller PMCprimo C2.1 (housing version)≤ 03.07.0003.08.00
Motion controller PMCprimo MC≤ 03.07.0003.08.00
Operator terminal/controller PMI 6 primoAll versionsNo fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/5
Do now
0/1
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to restrict access to controller network ports from only authorized engineering workstations and control systems
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/3

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

Motion controller PMCprimo C2.0 (plug-in card)
HOTFIXUpdate PMCprimo C2.0 and PMCprimo C2.1 (plug-in card or housing) to firmware version 03.08.00
All products
HOTFIXUpdate PMCprimo MC to firmware version 03.08.00
HOTFIXMigrate applications from CODESYS V2 runtime system to CODESYS V3 runtime system
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1
The following products have reached End of Life with no planned fix: Motion controller PMCprimo C, Operator terminal/controller PMI 6 primo. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGDisable unnecessary network services and ports on affected controllers if supported by firmware
View full CERT@VDE advisory
API: /api/v1/advisories/d01b6527-400b-4f80-86f2-5d740f9303d6
Pilz: Multiple vulnerabilities in CODESYS V2 and V3 runtime system | CVSS 9.8 - OTPulse