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Rockwell Automation Stratix and ArmorStratix Switches Use of Externally-Controlled Format String (CVE-2018-0175)

high Tenable OT Security Plugin ID 501770

Synopsis

The remote OT asset is affected by a vulnerability.

Description

A vulnerability in the LLDP subsystem of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an adjacent, unauthenticated attacker to cause a DoS condition or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

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Please visit https://www.tenable.com/products/tenable-ot for more information.

Solution

The following text was originally created by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The original can be found at CISA.gov.

Rockwell Automation recommends users upgrade to FRN 15.2(6)E1 or later. Updated software can be downloaded at:

http://compatibility.rockwellautomation.com/Pages/MultiProductDownload.aspx?famID=15

Rockwell Automation has provided knowledge base article number 1073268 on their website at the following location to address these vulnerabilities:

https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1073268/ (login required)

Rockwell Automation also recommends implementing the following mitigations in addition to upgrading the software version:

Cisco has released new Snort Rules at https://www.cisco.com/web/software/286271056/117258/sf-rules-2018-03-29-new.html to help address the following vulnerabilities:

- CVE-2018-0171 - Snort Rule 46096 and 46097
- CVE-2018-0156 - Snort Rule 41725
- CVE-2018-0174 - Snort Rule 46120
- CVE-2018-0172 - Snort Rule 46104
- CVE-2018-0173 - Snort Rule 46119
- CVE-2018-0158 - Snort Rule 46110

Cisco adds the following notes for the Smart Install vulnerabilities (CVE-2018-0171 and CVE-2018-0156):

- Smart Install is turned off by express setup; however, upgraded switches but not re-setup may have it enabled.
- Disable the Smart Install feature with the no vstack configuration command if it is not needed or once setup is complete.
- Users who do use the feature—and need to leave it enabled—can use ACLs to block incoming traffic on TCP port 4786.

CVE-2018-0167 and CVE-2018-0175 have no specific mitigations in place. See the following Cisco Vulnerability advisory for more details:

https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20180328-lldp

Rockwell Automation also recommends users implement the following general security guidelines:

- Help minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, and confirm that they are not accessible from the Internet.
- Locate control system networks and devices behind firewalls, and isolate them from the business network.
- When remote access is required, use secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing that VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize that VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.

See Also

http://www.nessus.org/u?ce3d1989

http://www.nessus.org/u?37660900

http://www.nessus.org/u?0baec066

http://www.nessus.org/u?85ccd272

http://www.nessus.org/u?a252fb13

https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-18-107-04

https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-18-107-05

https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-18-107-03

Plugin Details

Severity: High

ID: 501770

Version: 1.10

Type: remote

Family: Tenable.ot

Published: 11/15/2023

Updated: 8/9/2025

Supported Sensors: Tenable OT Security

Risk Information

VPR

Risk Factor: High

Score: 7.4

CVSS v2

Risk Factor: High

Base Score: 7.9

Temporal Score: 6.5

Vector: CVSS2#AV:A/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

CVSS Score Source: CVE-2018-0175

CVSS v3

Risk Factor: High

Base Score: 8

Temporal Score: 7.4

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Temporal Vector: CVSS:3.0/E:F/RL:O/RC:C

Vulnerability Information

CPE: cpe:/h:rockwellautomation:allen-bradley_stratix_5700_industrial_managed_ethernet_switch, cpe:/h:rockwellautomation:allen-bradley_stratix_5400_industrial_managed_ethernet_switch, cpe:/h:rockwellautomation:allen-bradley_stratix_5900_industrial_managed_ethernet_switch, cpe:/h:rockwellautomation:allen-bradley_stratix_5410_industrial_managed_ethernet_switch, cpe:/h:rockwellautomation:allen-bradley_stratix_8300_industrial_managed_ethernet_switch, cpe:/h:rockwellautomation:allen-bradley_stratix_8000_industrial_managed_ethernet_switch

Required KB Items: Tenable.ot/Rockwell

Exploit Available: true

Exploit Ease: Exploits are available

Patch Publication Date: 3/28/2018

Vulnerability Publication Date: 3/28/2018

CISA Known Exploited Vulnerability Due Dates: 3/17/2022

Reference Information

CVE: CVE-2018-0175

CWE: 755

ICSA: 18-107-04, 18-107-05