CVE-2019-18269
📋 TL;DR
Omron CS and CJ series PLCs have an unrestricted externally accessible lock vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access to the PLC programming environment. This affects industrial control systems using these specific PLC models, potentially compromising critical infrastructure operations.
💻 Affected Systems
- Omron CS series PLCs
- Omron CJ series PLCs
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete takeover of industrial control systems, allowing attackers to modify PLC logic, disrupt physical processes, cause equipment damage, or create safety hazards in critical infrastructure.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to PLC programming environment leading to operational disruption, data theft, or manipulation of industrial processes.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if PLCs are isolated in air-gapped networks with proper access controls and monitoring in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Vulnerability allows bypass of authentication mechanism without requiring credentials or special tools.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware updates provided by Omron (specific version varies by model)
Vendor Advisory: https://www.omron-cxone.com/security/2019-12-06_PLC_EN.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact Omron support for firmware updates specific to your PLC model. 2. Backup PLC program. 3. Apply firmware update following Omron's instructions. 4. Restart PLC. 5. Verify program functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Isolation
allIsolate PLCs from untrusted networks and implement strict firewall rules
Physical Security
allRestrict physical access to PLC programming ports and network connections
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules to isolate PLCs from untrusted networks
- Enable logging and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to PLC programming interfaces
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if PLC programming port is accessible without authentication via network connection toolsCheck Version:
Use Omron CX-Programmer or similar software to read PLC firmware versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version matches patched version from Omron advisory and test authentication requirements📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized connection attempts to PLC programming ports
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful access
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected traffic to PLC programming ports (typically TCP 9600)
- Connection attempts from unauthorized IP addresses
SIEM Query:
source_ip NOT IN (authorized_plc_ips) AND dest_port=9600 AND protocol=TCP