CVE-2020-7564
Schneider Electric · Modicon M340, Quantum, and Premium
A classic buffer overflow exists in the web servers of various Modicon controllers, allowing potential command execution via crafted FTP uploads.
Executive summary
A buffer overflow vulnerability in the web server of Modicon M340, Quantum, and Premium controllers may allow authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands.
Vulnerability
This is a classic buffer overflow (CWE-120) vulnerability in the controller's web server. Exploitation requires that the attacker has authenticated access to the device and can upload a specially crafted file over FTP.
Business impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain write access and execute arbitrary commands on the controller. In an industrial control system (ICS) environment, this could lead to operational disruption, loss of control over industrial processes, or safety risks, justifying the high CVSS score of 8.8.
Remediation
Immediate Action: Consult the vendor advisory (SEVD-2020-315-01) and apply the recommended firmware updates or security patches provided by Schneider Electric.
Proactive Monitoring: Monitor network traffic for anomalous FTP uploads or unauthorized access attempts to the management interfaces of industrial controllers.
Compensating Controls: Segment the OT network to restrict access to controller management interfaces to authorized personnel only, and disable unnecessary services like FTP if not required for operations.
Exploitation status
Public Exploit Available: Unknown
Analyst recommendation
Industrial environments require rigorous patch management. Administrators must verify the affected firmware versions against the vendor documentation and apply updates as a priority to secure these critical infrastructure components.