CVSS v3 6.7
ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low skill level to exploit
Vendor: AutomationDirect
Vulnerability: Uncontrolled Search Path Element
2. UPDATE INFORMATION
This updated advisory is a follow-up to the updated advisory titled ICSA-17-313-01A
3. RISK EVALUATION
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system.
4. TECHNICAL DETAILS
4.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS
The following AutomationDirect products are affected:
CLICK Programming Software (Part Number C0-PGMSW) Versions 2.10 and prior,
4.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW
4.2.1 UNCONTROLLED SEARCH PATH ELEMENT CWE-427
An uncontrolled search path element (DLL Hijacking) vulnerability has been identified. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker could rename a malicious DLL to meet the criteria of the application, and the application would not verify that the DLL is correct. Once loaded by the application, the DLL could run malicious code at the privilege level of the application.
CVE-2017-14020 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 6.7 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
4.3 BACKGROUND
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Commercial Facilities, Critical Manufacturing, Information Technology
COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Cumming, Georgia
4.4 RESEARCHER
Mark Cross of RIoT Solutions reported this vulnerability to NCCIC.
5. MITIGATIONS
AutomationDirect has produced fixes for the following software:
CLICK Programming Software: Version 2.11 available at:
http://support.automationdirect.com/products/clickplcs.html
NCCIC recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability. Specifically, users should:
Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, and ensure that they are not accessible from the Internet.
Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls, and isolate them from the business network.
When remote access is required, use secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing that VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize that VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.
NCCIC reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.NCCIC also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS-CERT web page. Several recommended practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.
Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS-CERT website in the Technical Information Paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.Organizations observing any suspected malicious activity should follow their established internal procedures and report their findings to NCCIC for tracking and correlation against other incidents.
NCCIC also recommends that users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:
Do not click web links or open unsolicited attachments in email messages.
Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams.
Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information on social engineering attacks.
No known public exploits specifically target this vulnerability.
