FactoryTalk Alarm and Events Server: Improper Authentication
CVE-2022-38744 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in FactoryTalk Alarm and Events Server from Rockwell Automation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected FactoryTalk Alarm and Events Server versions: All. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.3% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 71% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of FactoryTalk Alarm and Events Server you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on rockwellautomation.custhelp.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwell Automation | FactoryTalk Alarm and Events Server | All | Not stated |
| Rockwell Automation | Factorytalk Alarms And Events | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (rockwellautomation.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
An unauthenticated attacker with network access to a victim's Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Alarm and Events service could open a connection, causing the service to fault and become unavailable. The affected port could be used as a server ping port and uses messages structured with XML.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1136876Permissions Required
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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