CVE-2020-5801 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in Rockwell FactoryTalk Linx allows an attacker to trigger an unhandled exception, leading to process termination.

Understanding CVE-2020-5801

This CVE involves an unauthenticated remote Denial of Service (DoS) attack on FactoryTalk Linx.

What is CVE-2020-5801?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted OpenNamespace message to port 4241 with a valid session ID, causing an unhandled exception in the CFTLDManager::HandleRequest function in RnaDaSvr.dll, resulting in process termination. This issue affects all versions of FactoryTalk Linx.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5801

The vulnerability allows attackers to remotely disrupt services, potentially leading to downtime and operational disruptions.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5801

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an unhandled exception triggered by a crafted message, leading to process termination.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of FactoryTalk Linx are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the flaw by sending a specific message to a vulnerable port, causing the targeted process to crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-5801 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement firewall rules to restrict access to port 4241
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity
Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses
Educate users and IT staff on best security practices

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of patches and updates provided by Rockwell to mitigate the vulnerability.