CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-21919NVD status: Analyzed

Arena Simulation: Access of Uninitialized Pointer

CVE-2024-21919 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. Affected Arena Simulation versions: Version 16.00 - 16.20.02; 16.00.00 through 16.20.02. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.29% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Arena to 16.20.03 or a later version.
  2. 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

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Rockwell AutomationArena SimulationVersion 16.00 - 16.20.02; 16.00.00 through 16.20.02Not stated
Rockwell AutomationArena16.00.00 up to, but not including, 16.20.0316.20.03

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 systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.8HighCNA (rockwellautomation.com)
CVSS 3.17.8HighNVD

Official description

An uninitialized pointer in Rockwell Automation Arena Simulation software could potentially allow a malicious user to insert unauthorized code to the software by leveraging the pointer after it is properly. Once inside, the threat actor can run harmful code on the system. This affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the product. To trigger this, the user would unwittingly need to open a malicious file shared by the threat actor.

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

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

Other vulnerabilities in Arena Simulation

All Arena Simulation vulnerabilities

Recent Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities

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