B&R APROL Vulnerabilities: Urgent Cybersecurity Risks for Industrial Automation

B&R APROL, a critical industrial automation system widely used in sectors like critical manufacturing, has recently come under intense scrutiny due to a series of vulnerabilities that underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. While Windows users might not directly interact with such industrial control systems on a day-to-day basis, many organizations often integrate these systems with Windows-based supervisory network environments—making these risks highly relevant.

The Vulnerabilities Uncovered​

Researchers from ABB PSIRT, reporting these findings to CISA, have identified multiple vulnerabilities in various versions of B&R APROL. The report details a range of issues from code injection to SSRF that could impact system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Here's an in-depth breakdown of the vulnerabilities:

1. Inclusion of Functionality from Untrusted Control Sphere (CVE-2024-45482)​

• What It Is:
  This vulnerability enables an authenticated local attacker, operating from a remote server within the trusted network, to execute malicious commands.
• Severity:
  The CVSS v3 base score is 7.8, and the updated CVSS v4 score is 8.5, indicating a high level of risk.
• Implications:
  Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to incorporate unauthorized functionalities, essentially commandeering parts of the system unexpectedly.

2. Incomplete Filtering of Special Elements (CVE-2024-45481)​

• What It Is:
  Scripts using the SSH server in versions of APROL prior to 4.4-00P5 lack proper filtering of special elements. This oversight can allow an attacker to subvert the authentication process and potentially assume the identity of a legitimate user.
• Severity:
  With CVSS scores mirroring the previous vulnerability (7.8 in v3 and 8.5 in v4), the risk is similarly substantial.
• Implications:
  The possibility of impersonating another user could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system routines and data.

3. Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') (CVE-2024-45480)​

• What It Is:
  A flaw in the AprolCreateReport component allows an unauthenticated, network-based attacker to execute arbitrary code—specifically to read files from the local system.
• Severity:
  The CVSS v3 score is 8.6, and a staggering CVSS v4 score of 9.2 emphasizes nearly critical exposure.
• Implications:
  This vulnerability offers a proverbial “backdoor” to attackers, enabling them to inject and execute code, potentially leading to data breaches or system manipulation.

4. Improper Handling of Insufficient Permissions or Privileges (CVE-2024-8315)​

• What It Is:
  The vulnerability affects scripts that do not properly enforce permissions, permitting an authenticated attacker to read credential information.
• Severity:
  Although exhibiting a slightly lower CVSS v3 base score of 5.5, the updated CVSS v4 score is 6.8, reflecting moderate risk.
• Implications:
  Credential exposure could pave the way for lateral movement across systems and further exploitation within the network.

5. Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling (CVE-2024-45484)​

• What It Is:
  Improper resource allocation in the operating system's network configuration may allow an unauthenticated adjacent attacker to initiate a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack.
• Severity:
  With scores of 7.6 (CVSS v3) and 7.2 (CVSS v4), the risk here, while not the highest, is significant enough to disrupt operations.
• Implications:
  DoS attacks can render the system inaccessible, severely impacting operational continuity.

6. Missing Authentication for Critical Function (CVE-2024-45483)​

• What It Is:
  The GRUB configuration lacks critical authentication, permitting an unauthenticated physical attacker to alter the operating system’s boot configuration.
• Severity:
  The CVSS assessments here indicate serious concerns with a CVSS v3 score of 6.8 and a v4 score of 7.0.
• Implications:
  Altering the boot configuration can lead to system compromise right from the startup phase, potentially undermining all subsequent security measures.

7. Exposure of Sensitive System Information (CVE-2024-8313)​

• What It Is:
  The SNMP component inadvertently exposes sensitive configuration data to unauthorized users.
• Severity:
  With a CVSS v3 score of 8.8 and a v4 score of 8.7, this vulnerability poses high risk in terms of sensitive data exposure.
• Implications:
  Exposure of such information not only assists attackers in planning further exploits but also undermines the trust relationship within a critical control environment.

8. Exposure of Data Element to Wrong Session (CVE-2024-8314)​

• What It Is:
  Errors in session handling allow an authenticated attacker to hijack an active session, bypassing the need for valid login credentials.
• Severity:
  The CVSS metrics reflect an 8.0 base for v3 while the v4 rating, at 5.5, shows a mixed risk level.
• Implications:
  Session hijacking remains a potent method for attackers to gain ongoing access to system functionalities without detection.

9 & 10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) (CVE-2024-10206 and CVE-2024-10207)​

• What It Is:
  SSRF vulnerabilities in the APROL Web Portal allow both unauthenticated and authenticated attackers to force the server to make arbitrary requests.
• Severity:
  Scores range from a moderate 5.3 to a higher 6.9 across the variants, reflecting different access scenarios.
• Implications:
  SSRF can allow attackers to pivot within a network, access internal resources, or even launch follow-on attacks on connected systems.

11. Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-Site Scripting') (CVE-2024-10208)​

• What It Is:
  Faulty input neutralization in the APROL Web Portal enables attackers to inject malicious code that executes in the user’s browser session.
• Severity:
  The CVSS v3 and v4 scores (6.1 and 5.1, respectively) imply a moderate risk, especially regarding user session security.
• Implications:
  Cross-site scripting (XSS) can not only steal sensitive information such as session tokens but also serve as an entry point for more complex attacks.

12. External Control of File Name or Path (CVE-2024-10210)​

• What It Is:
  This vulnerability enables an attacker to manipulate file system paths, potentially gaining unauthorized access to protected data.
• Severity:
  With CVSS scores of 8.5 (v3) and 8.4 (v4), the risk level is undeniably severe.
• Implications:
  Unauthorized access to file systems can lead to extensive data breaches or systemic manipulation of stored configurations.

13. Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource (CVE-2024-10209)​

• What It Is:
  This flaw involves improper assignment of file system permissions, which may allow local attackers to tamper with or view configuration data from other users.
• Severity:
  The associated CVSS scores of 7.8 (v3) and 8.5 (v4) indicate a significant risk that could be exploited to compromise multi-user environments.
• Implications:
  Incorrect permission assignments can undermine the integrity of the system’s access controls, creating weak spots that compromise entire operational chains.

Assessing the Risk Landscape​

The technical details of these vulnerabilities paint a comprehensive picture of a multifaceted security issue:

• Diversity of Attack Vectors:
  Attackers are presented with multiple avenues—from network-based SSRF and XSS to physical threats altering boot configurations. No singular vulnerability stands alone; rather, they collectively increase risk potential.
• Wide Impact Spectrum:
  The vulnerabilities not only allow for unauthorized execution of commands and code injection but also provide pathways to data exposure, session hijacking, and even system denial-of-service. This diversified attack surface means that an effective breach strategy might involve chaining multiple exploits together.
• Severity Ratings:
  With the CVSS scores spanning from the mid-5s to a critical 9.2, stakeholders must appreciate that even the “moderate” vulnerabilities can be dangerous when combined with other systemic weaknesses. As a reminder, a CVSS v4 score of 9.2 indicates an almost critical breach potential that can lead to rapid system compromise.

Implications for Windows-Centric Environments​

While B&R APROL systems themselves may operate on specialized industrial platforms, many organizations utilize Windows-based systems for supervisory control, monitoring, or data analysis. Here are several key points for Windows administrators and IT security professionals:

• Integration Challenges:
  In environments where industrial control systems interface with Windows servers or desktops, a vulnerability in one component can expose vulnerabilities in interconnected systems. Cybersecurity isn’t confined by operating system boundaries.
• Update Interdependencies:
  Just as Windows users must be vigilant about applying Windows 11 updates and Microsoft security patches, organizations deploying B&R APROL must manage timely updates to patch these vulnerabilities. Coordination between IT departments responsible for Windows infrastructure and operational technology (OT) teams is crucial.
• Cross-Domain Risk:
  A compromised industrial control system might serve as a pivot point, giving attackers lateral access to seemingly secure Windows networks. This cross-domain risk underscores the need for a unified IT security approach, where industrial and office IT systems are all part of the same rigorous update and patch management protocol.

Mitigation Strategies and Best Practices​

B&R has recommended that users apply patches and upgrade to non-vulnerable versions of APROL at the earliest opportunity. Here are some comprehensive mitigation strategies:

• Apply Vendor Patches:
  • For B&R APROL versions prior to 4.4-01, apply the patch detailed in the user manual.
  • Identify your installed product version as described in the provided documentation.
  • For vulnerabilities potentially exposing credential confidentiality (e.g., CVE-2024-45483 and CVE-2024-10209), change all secrets and passwords after patching.
• Network Segmentation:
  • Isolate industrial control systems from general office networks where possible.
  • Ensure firewall policies restrict unauthorized requests, particularly for the SSRF vulnerabilities.
• Regular Security Audits:
  • Schedule periodic vulnerability assessments for both Windows systems and industrial control systems to detect unpatched vulnerabilities.
  • Monitor system logs and network traffic for anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts.
• User Education & Access Controls:
  • Educate personnel about the risks associated with unauthorized requests and inadequate session handling.
  • Regularly review and update user permissions and access controls, ensuring that only necessary privileges are granted.
• Holistic IT Security Policies:
  • Combine insights from cybersecurity advisories on both Windows updates and industrial control systems.
  • Foster collaboration between OT and IT departments to ensure that all systems, regardless of their operating platform, are equally protected.

Real-World Implications and Case Studies​

Consider a manufacturing plant that uses B&R APROL systems to control critical processes. If an attacker were to exploit the code injection vulnerability (CVE-2024-45480) via a poorly sanitized input field, they could potentially access sensitive production data or alter operational parameters. In an environment where Windows workstations are used to monitor these processes, such a breach might lead to a cascade of security incidents—from data theft to full control of production processes.
Similarly, an SSRF vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain entry into the plant’s internal network. With Windows systems often serving as gateways for operational analytics and understanding system performance, a breach in the industrial control domain could quickly compromise an entire enterprise network.
These real-world scenarios emphasize that security is only as strong as its weakest link. Whether you’re managing Windows 11 updates or overseeing critical infrastructure software, neglecting any component of your cyberdefense strategy can lead to systemwide repercussions.

Final Thoughts​

This investigation into the B&R APROL vulnerabilities stands as a critical reminder: in the increasingly interconnected world of IT and OT, security must be comprehensive and proactive. The detailed report on vulnerabilities not only highlights specific technical weaknesses but also serves as an urgent call-to-action for organizations to reassess and fortify their security measures across all platforms.
For Windows administrators and security professionals, the parallels are clear. Just as you monitor and apply Microsoft security patches and Windows 11 updates to safeguard desktops and servers, ensuring that industrial control systems like B&R APROL are equally up-to-date is essential. In our digital age, neglecting even one area of the network can create a domino effect, leading to severe operational and security consequences.
• Recognize that vulnerabilities in industrial control systems directly affect broader network security.
• Act promptly by applying the latest patches and reviewing access control measures.
• Foster a collaborative approach between IT and OT teams, sharing best practices across Windows and industrial platforms.
In summary, the B&R APROL vulnerabilities serve as a wake-up call—a reminder to never assume that a system is too obscure or specialized to be exploited. Whether you are updating Windows systems or industrial control units, the principles of rigorous patch management, network segmentation, and proactive monitoring remain the cornerstone of modern cybersecurity.
By adhering to these principles and staying informed on the latest advisories, organizations can mitigate risks, secure sensitive operations, and maintain the trust that is indispensable in today’s interconnected IT environment.

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Source: CISA B&R APROL | CISA