Arena Simulation: Access of Uninitialized Pointer
CVE-2023-27858 is a high-severity access of uninitialized pointer vulnerability in Arena Simulation from Rockwell Automation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 16.20.02 as the first without the flaw, so updating Arena Simulation to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.27% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Arena Simulation to 16.20.02 or a later version.
- Update Arena to 16.20.02 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on rockwellautomation.custhelp.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwell Automation | Arena Simulation | All versions before the 16.20.02 Patch; before 16.20.02 | 16.20.02 |
| Rockwell Automation | Arena | before 16.20.02 | 16.20.02 |
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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA (rockwellautomation.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
Rockwell Automation Arena Simulation contains an arbitrary code execution vulnerability that could potentially allow a malicious user to commit unauthorized code to the software by using an uninitialized pointer in the application. The threat-actor could then execute malicious code on the system affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the product. The user would need to open a malicious file provided to them by the attacker for the code to execute.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Access of Uninitialized Pointer
The product accesses or uses a pointer that has not been initialized.
More Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities (CWE-824)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1141145Permissions Required
Other vulnerabilities in Arena Simulation
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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