CVE-2025-3287

Vulnerability: Stack-Based Buffer Overflow in Rockwell Automation Arena®

Description: A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Rockwell Automation Arena® due to insufficient validation of user-supplied data when processing DOE files.

Severity: High (CVSS Score: 8.5)

Known Exploit: Exploitation requires a legitimate user to open a malicious DOE file. Successful exploitation can lead to information disclosure and arbitrary code execution on the affected system.

Remediation / Mitigation Strategy:

1. Immediate Actions:

  • User Awareness: Issue an immediate advisory to all Arena® users, warning them to exercise extreme caution when opening DOE files, especially those received from untrusted or unknown sources. Emphasize the risk of arbitrary code execution.
  • Disable Auto-Execution (If Possible): Investigate whether Arena® has any configuration options to disable or limit automatic execution of code or scripts embedded within DOE files. Disabling such features could reduce the attack surface.

2. Short-Term Mitigations:

  • File Origin Validation: Implement a process for users to verify the origin and integrity of DOE files before opening them. This could involve contacting the sender via a separate communication channel to confirm the file’s legitimacy.
  • Sandbox Analysis: If feasible, before opening any DOE file from an untrusted source, analyze it within a sandboxed environment. This can help to detect malicious behavior without compromising the production system. Consider using a virtual machine or dedicated malware analysis tools for this purpose.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Ensure that EDR or antivirus software on affected systems is up-to-date and actively monitoring for suspicious behavior, including attempts to exploit buffer overflows or execute unauthorized code. Configure EDR/AV solutions to automatically block execution from suspicious processes.

3. Long-Term Solutions (Requires Rockwell Automation Action):

  • Patch Application: Apply the security patch provided by Rockwell Automation as soon as it becomes available. Prioritize patching Arena® installations on systems with sensitive data or critical functions.
  • Input Validation: Rockwell Automation should thoroughly review and improve the input validation routines within Arena®, specifically those responsible for parsing DOE files. Implement stricter validation of data lengths and formats to prevent buffer overflows.
  • Memory Protection: Rockwell Automation should consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) within Arena® to mitigate the impact of buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
  • Secure Coding Practices: Rockwell Automation should enforce secure coding practices throughout the development lifecycle to minimize the risk of future vulnerabilities. This includes conducting regular security code reviews and penetration testing.
  • Fuzzing: Implement fuzzing techniques during development to proactively identify and address potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities in file parsing routines.

4. Monitoring and Logging:

  • Enable Auditing: Enable detailed auditing and logging on Arena® systems to monitor for suspicious activity, such as unexpected process executions, file modifications, or network connections.
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Integrate Arena® logs with a SIEM system to facilitate centralized monitoring and analysis of security events.

5. Communication:

  • Stay Informed: Continuously monitor Rockwell Automation’s security advisories and updates for any new information or guidance regarding this vulnerability. Subscribe to [email protected] alerts.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-04-08 15:29:46
  • Updated Date: 2025-04-08 18:13:53

More Details

CVE-2025-3287