CVE-2024-22187 – CVE-2024-22187 is an unauthenticated write-what... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-22187?

CVE-2024-22187 has a CVSS score of 9.1 (CRITICAL). CVE-2024-22187 is an unauthenticated write-what-where vulnerability in AutomationDirect P3-550E's Programming Software Connection Remote Memory Diagnostics functionality. Attackers can send specially crafted network packets to perform arbitrary memory writes, potentially leading to remote code execution. This affects P3-550E version 1.2.10.9 and potentially earlier versions.

📋 TL;DR

CVE-2024-22187 is an unauthenticated write-what-where vulnerability in AutomationDirect P3-550E's Programming Software Connection Remote Memory Diagnostics functionality. Attackers can send specially crafted network packets to perform arbitrary memory writes, potentially leading to remote code execution. This affects P3-550E version 1.2.10.9 and potentially earlier versions.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

AutomationDirect P3-550E

Versions: 1.2.10.9 and potentially earlier versions

Operating Systems: Embedded/PLC firmware

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Vulnerability exists in default configuration when Programming Software Connection Remote Memory Diagnostics functionality is enabled.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, device takeover, and lateral movement within industrial control networks.

🟠

Likely Case

Denial of service, memory corruption, or limited code execution affecting device availability and integrity.

🟢

If Mitigated

No impact if device is isolated from untrusted networks and proper network segmentation is implemented.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Unauthenticated network exploit that can be triggered remotely without user interaction.

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Even internally, any network-accessible device is vulnerable to this unauthenticated attack.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

The vulnerability is unauthenticated and network-based, making exploitation relatively straightforward for attackers with network access.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Contact AutomationDirect for updated firmware

Vendor Advisory: https://community.automationdirect.com/s/internal-database-security-advisory/a4GPE0000003yXV2AY/sa00036

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact AutomationDirect support for updated firmware. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Apply firmware update following vendor instructions. 4. Restart device. 5. Verify functionality.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network Isolation

all

Isolate P3-550E devices from untrusted networks using firewalls or network segmentation.

Disable Remote Diagnostics

all

Disable Programming Software Connection Remote Memory Diagnostics functionality if not required.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict network access controls to limit access to P3-550E devices only from trusted management stations.
Deploy network intrusion detection/prevention systems to monitor for exploit attempts targeting this vulnerability.

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device firmware version via Programming Software interface. If version is 1.2.10.9 or earlier, device is vulnerable.

Check Version:

Use AutomationDirect Programming Software to connect to device and check firmware version in device properties.

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version has been updated to a version provided by AutomationDirect that addresses this vulnerability.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual network connections to port 1962
Memory diagnostic function errors
Unexpected device restarts

Network Indicators:

Network traffic to port 1962 with malformed packets
Unusual traffic patterns to P3-550E devices

SIEM Query:

source_ip:external AND dest_port:1962 AND protocol:TCP AND (packet_size:unusual OR payload_pattern:suspicious)

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-22187

CVSS v3 Score: 9.1 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-284

Published: May 28, 2024

Last Updated: February 12, 2025

🔗 References

https://community.automationdirect.com/s/internal-database-security-advisory/a4GPE0000003yXV2AY/sa00036 Vendor Advisory
https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2024-1940 Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://www.talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2024-1940 Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://community.automationdirect.com/s/internal-database-security-advisory/a4GPE0000003yXV2AY/sa00036 Vendor Advisory
https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2024-1940 Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://www.talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2024-1940 Exploit,Third Party Advisory

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