Critical Security Alert: Mitsubishi Electric CNC Vulnerability CVE-2024-7316

As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure cyber safety, CISA recently put a spotlight on a notable security vulnerability affecting Mitsubishi Electric's CNC (Computer Numerical Control) series, cataloged under CVE-2024-7316. With a CVSS score of 5.9, this vulnerability highlights a significant security concern for users and operators within critical infrastructure sectors, particularly in energy.

1. Executive Summary​

The vulnerability identified relates to improper validation of specified quantity in input, making the affected devices susceptible to remote exploitation. Here's a succinct overview of the key points:

• Vendor: Mitsubishi Electric
• Affected Equipment: CNC Series
• Vulnerability Type: Improper Input Validation
• Exploitable Remotely: Yes
• CVSS v3 Score: 5.9

2. Risk Evaluation​

Successful exploitation could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to instigate a denial-of-service (DoS) condition on the impacted devices. This means hackers could incapacitate CNC machines, potentially disrupting manufacturing processes and other operational workflows.

3. Technical Details​

3.1 Affected Products​

Here is a list of the affected Mitsubishi Electric products:

• M800VW (BND-2051W000-**)
• M800VS (BND-2052W000-**)
• M80V (BND-2053W000-**)
• M80VW (BND-2054W000-**)
• M800W (BND-2005W000-**)
• M800S (BND-2006W000-**)
• M80 (BND-2007W000-**)
• M80W (BND-2008W000-**)
• E80 (BND-2009W000-**)
• C80 (BND-2036W000-**)
• M750VW (BND-1015W002-**)
• M730VW/M720VW (BND-1015W000-**)
• M750VS (BND-1012W002-**)
• M730VS/M720VS (BND-1012W000-**)
• M70V (BND-1018W000-**)
• E70 (BND-1022W000-**)
• NC Trainer2 (BND-1802W000-**)
• NC Trainer2 Plus (BND-1803W000-**)

3.2 Vulnerability Overview​

This vulnerability falls under the CWE-1284 classification, which denotes lacking appropriate validation of numeric input values. An unauthenticated attacker could send specially crafted data packets to TCP port 683, resulting in service disruptions and potential downtime for manufacturing operations.
The official advisory detailing this vulnerability can be tracked through this CVE link.

4. Mitigations​

Mitsubishi Electric, in conjunction with CISA, recommends several proactive measures to safeguard systems against exploitation:

• Firewalls and VPNs: Utilize firewalls and virtual private networks to restrict unauthorized access, especially when devices need internet connectivity.
• Antivirus Software: Deploy antivirus solutions on PCs that interface with these CNC machines.
• Network Security: Ensure devices operate within a secure LAN, maintaining strict access controls against untrusted networks.
• Physical Security: Restrict physical access to the machines and their operating networks.
• IP Filtering: Implement IP filtering functions to block access from untrusted hosts. Specific documentation is available for the M800V/M80V and M800/M80/E80 series regarding IP address filter settings.

CISA also emphasizes the importance of significant precautions like minimizing the network exposure of critical control systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet, and isolating them behind firewalls from standard business networks.

5. Update History​

• Initial Publication Date: October 17, 2024

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Conclusion​

This advisory underlines not only the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols in critical infrastructure but also the necessity for adherence to best practices when operating devices susceptible to external threats. As organizations integrate more advanced technologies like CNC systems, they must prioritize cybersecurity to mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-7316.
For more details, please refer to the full advisory documentation on the CISA website and follow best practices for cybersecurity as recommended by industry experts.
Source: CISA Mitsubishi Electric CNC Series