Severity: HIGH
Description: The FANUC R-30iA and R-30iB series controllers are vulnerable to integer coercion errors, which cause the device to crash. A restart is required.
CVSS Score: N/A
N/A
No data available.
No data available.
No data available.
1. Risk Assessment
The vulnerability, CVE-2021-32996, centers around integer coercion errors within FANUC R-30iA and R-30iB series robot controllers. This means the controllers can crash when processing certain inputs or during specific operations, requiring a restart. The business impact is potentially significant, especially in manufacturing environments reliant on these robots for continuous operation. Downtime translates to lost production, potential delays in shipments, and associated costs. The likelihood of exploitation is moderate; while the specific trigger isn’t fully defined, the error occurs during normal controller operations, making it likely to be encountered. The ease of exploitation appears relatively straightforward, as it doesn’t necessarily require a complex attack vector – the vulnerability is inherent in how the controller handles integer data. The primary impact is on availability; the robot arm becomes unavailable until restarted. Confidentiality and integrity are less directly impacted, though extended or repeated crashes could potentially lead to data inconsistencies in some applications. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.5 (High), further indicating a substantial risk.
2. Potential Attack Scenarios
A potential attack scenario involves a malicious actor sending a carefully crafted series of commands to the robot controller that triggers the integer coercion error. The attacker could leverage network connectivity to the controller (assuming network access is enabled) and repeatedly send these commands to cause frequent crashes, effectively creating a denial-of-service. The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote exploitation. The attack process would involve the attacker identifying a command sequence that reliably triggers the error, then repeatedly sending that sequence. Potential outcomes include a complete halt of the robot's operations, requiring manual intervention to restart the controller and potentially disrupting the entire production line. This could be particularly impactful if multiple robots are affected simultaneously.
3. Mitigation Recommendations
The primary mitigation recommendation is to upgrade the FANUC robot controller software to a version that addresses the vulnerability. Specifically, upgrade to a version less than or equal to v7.70 for R-30iA and R-30iA Mate controllers, less than or equal to v8.36 for R-30iB, R-30iB Mate, and R-30iB Compact controllers, and less than or equal to v9.40 for R-30iB Plus, R-30iB Mate Plus, R-30iB Compact Plus, and R-30iB Mini Plus controllers. Prioritize patching controllers in critical production lines. As an immediate short-term mitigation, monitor controller logs for crash events. Frequent crashes may indicate the vulnerability is being triggered. Ensure robust backup procedures are in place for robot programs and configurations to minimize downtime during recovery. Refer to the CISA advisory for detailed information and upgrade instructions: https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-21-243-02.
4. Executive Summary
FANUC robot controllers, widely used in manufacturing, are vulnerable to a crash caused by an integer coercion error (CVE-2021-32996). This vulnerability can lead to robot downtime, impacting production and potentially causing delays. The risk is considered high, with a relatively easy exploitation path. To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to upgrade the controller software to the latest supported version. Prompt patching will minimize the potential for production disruptions and ensure continued operational efficiency. Prioritizing updates for critical robots will deliver the greatest return on investment. Ignoring this vulnerability could result in significant financial losses due to lost production time.
Severity: HIGH
Description: The FANUC R-30iA and R-30iB series controllers are vulnerable to an out-of-bounds write, which may allow an attacker to remotely execute arbitrary code. INIT START/restore from backup required.
CVSS Score: N/A
D
No data available.
No data available.
1. Risk Assessment
The vulnerability CVE-2021-32998 is an out-of-bounds write within the FANUC R-30iA and R-30iB series robot controllers. This allows for potential remote code execution, meaning an attacker could gain control of the robotic system. The business impact of a successful exploit can range from production downtime and damaged goods to complete disruption of automated processes. Depending on the robot's function, it could also lead to physical damage or safety hazards. The likelihood of exploitation is moderate, requiring network access and the ability to initiate a restore or INIT START process. The ease of exploitation is considered moderate to high, as the attack vector is network-based and doesn’t necessarily require complex authentication. The impact on integrity is high, as arbitrary code can be executed, potentially modifying robot behavior or data. Availability is also high, as the robot could be taken offline or operate erratically. Confidentiality is less directly impacted, but could be compromised if the attacker gains access to data processed by the robot. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.4, indicating a high severity vulnerability.
2. Potential Attack Scenarios
An attacker with network access to a vulnerable FANUC robot controller could initiate a restore from a maliciously crafted backup file. This backup file contains the out-of-bounds write vulnerability. The attacker could craft a backup file that, when restored, overwrites critical memory locations, allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary code on the controller. This code could then be used to stop the robot’s operation, modify its programmed movements, steal data from the robot’s memory, or even gain a foothold into the broader industrial network. The attack vector is network-based, requiring the robot to be reachable via a network connection, and the attack process involves transferring and restoring a malicious backup file. The potential outcome is full remote control of the robotic arm, leading to production disruption or physical damage depending on the robot's function.
3. Mitigation Recommendations
The primary mitigation is to upgrade the FANUC controller software to a version that addresses the vulnerability. For R-30iA and R-30iA Mate controllers, upgrade to a version less than or equal to v7.70. For R-30iB, R-30iB Mate, and R-30iB Compact controllers, upgrade to a version less than or equal to v8.36. For R-30iB Plus, R-30iB Mate Plus, R-30iB Compact Plus, and R-30iB Mini Plus controllers, upgrade to a version less than or equal to v9.40. Ensure thorough testing of the upgraded software in a non-production environment before deploying to critical systems. Implement network segmentation to limit access to the robot controllers from untrusted networks. Regularly review and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. Backups should be securely stored and verified before restoration. Refer to the CISA advisory for additional details and updates: https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/advisories/icsa-21-243-02.
4. Executive Summary
FANUC robot controllers, commonly used in manufacturing and automation, are vulnerable to remote code execution via an out-of-bounds write flaw (CVE-2021-32998). This vulnerability could allow an attacker to take control of the robot, potentially disrupting production, damaging equipment, or even creating safety hazards. The risk is significant, with a high potential impact on both availability and integrity. To mitigate this risk, organizations should promptly upgrade their FANUC controllers to the latest supported versions. Network segmentation and secure backup practices are also recommended. Addressing this vulnerability is crucial for maintaining reliable and secure automated operations, minimizing downtime, and protecting valuable assets. Prioritize patching based on the criticality of the robots and the potential impact of a successful attack.