CVE-2020-13238 : Security Advisory and Response

Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R Series PLCs with firmware 33 are vulnerable to a denial of service attack that can halt the industrial process, requiring physical access for restoration.

Understanding CVE-2020-13238

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R Series PLCs that can be exploited to disrupt industrial operations.

What is CVE-2020-13238?

The vulnerability in Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R Series PLCs with firmware 33 allows attackers to stop the industrial process by sending a specially crafted packet over the network. This attack exhausts CPU resources, leading to a denial of service condition. Restoring production after the attack necessitates physical access to the affected PLC.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13238

The exploitation of this vulnerability can have severe consequences for industrial processes, potentially causing significant downtime and operational disruptions. Attackers can disrupt critical infrastructure by exploiting this flaw.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13238

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, providing insights into the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R Series PLCs with firmware 33 enables attackers to execute a denial of service attack by sending a malicious packet over the network, leading to a halt in the industrial process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R Series PLCs
Firmware Version: 33

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers send a specially crafted packet over the network to exploit the vulnerability
The attack consumes excessive CPU time, causing a denial of service condition
Physical access to the PLC is required to restore production

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-13238 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities
Apply firewall rules to restrict unauthorized access

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and security patches for the PLCs
Conduct security training for employees to recognize and report potential threats
Perform regular security audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities

Patching and Updates

Mitsubishi Electric may release patches or firmware updates to address this vulnerability
Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to mitigate risks