CVE-2024-48851
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in ABB FLXEON allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems by sending specially crafted input that isn't properly validated. It affects all FLXEON installations through version 9.3.5, potentially compromising industrial control systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- ABB FLXEON
⚠️ 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
Full system compromise allowing attackers to take control of industrial equipment, disrupt operations, manipulate processes, or establish persistence in OT networks.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to the FLXEON system enabling data theft, configuration changes, or lateral movement within the industrial network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if system is isolated behind firewalls with strict network segmentation and input validation controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
The advisory indicates remote exploitation is possible, and improper input validation vulnerabilities typically have low exploitation complexity once the specific input vector is identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after 9.3.5
Vendor Advisory: https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK108471A7121&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=pdf&Action=Launch
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the latest FLXEON version from ABB's official portal. 2. Backup current configuration and data. 3. Install the update following ABB's upgrade documentation. 4. Restart the system to apply changes. 5. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate FLXEON systems from untrusted networks using firewalls and network segmentation
Input Validation Controls
allImplement additional input validation at network perimeter devices if possible
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls allowing only trusted IP addresses to communicate with FLXEON systems
- Deploy intrusion detection/prevention systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and block malicious traffic
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check FLXEON system version via the device's web interface or management console. If version is 9.3.5 or earlier, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check via FLXEON web interface or consult ABB documentation for CLI version check commands specific to your deployment.Verify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify the version number shows a release newer than 9.3.5 and test system functionality to ensure the update didn't break critical operations.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process creation events
- Unexpected system modifications
- Authentication attempts from unusual sources
- Abnormal network connections from FLXEON system
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to/from FLXEON systems
- Suspicious payloads in network traffic
- Connection attempts to unexpected external IPs
SIEM Query:
source="FLXEON" AND (event_type="process_creation" OR event_type="file_modification") | stats count by src_ip, dest_ip, user