CVE-2020-14516: FactoryTalk Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2020-14516 Overview

CVE-2020-14516 is a critical cryptographic vulnerability affecting Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Services Platform. The vulnerability stems from a flawed implementation of the SHA-256 hashing algorithm that prevents user passwords from being hashed properly. This weakness allows attackers to potentially bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems managed by the FactoryTalk Services Platform.

Critical Impact

Improper password hashing enables authentication bypass, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical industrial control systems with the highest possible impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Affected Products

• Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Services Platform Version 6.10.00
• Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Services Platform Version 6.11.00

Discovery Timeline

• 2021-02-23 - CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-21-054-01 published
• 2021-03-18 - CVE CVE-2020-14516 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2020-14516

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-916 (Use of Password Hash With Insufficient Computational Effort). The core issue lies in how the FactoryTalk Services Platform implements the SHA-256 hashing algorithm for user password storage and verification. Due to a flaw in the implementation, user passwords are not properly hashed, which fundamentally undermines the credential protection mechanism that safeguards access to the industrial control platform.

In industrial control system (ICS) environments, authentication security is paramount. The FactoryTalk Services Platform serves as a critical infrastructure component that manages access to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and other automation systems. When password hashing fails to function correctly, stored credentials become significantly easier to compromise, and authentication bypass scenarios become viable attack vectors.

The vulnerability requires no user interaction to exploit and can be leveraged remotely over the network. Given the scope extends beyond the vulnerable component itself, successful exploitation could enable attackers to pivot to connected industrial systems, potentially disrupting manufacturing operations or causing physical damage to controlled processes.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2020-14516 is a defective implementation of the SHA-256 cryptographic hashing function within the FactoryTalk Services Platform authentication module. Rather than properly computing a cryptographic hash of user passwords before storage or comparison, the implementation contains a flaw that prevents the hashing process from executing correctly. This results in passwords being stored or processed in a manner that does not provide the expected cryptographic protection.

The specific nature of the implementation error—whether due to improper initialization of the hash function, incorrect handling of input data, or failure to complete the hashing rounds—makes password credentials vulnerable to extraction or bypass. This type of cryptographic implementation flaw is particularly dangerous because the authentication system may appear to function normally while providing no actual security.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for CVE-2020-14516 is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction. An attacker with network access to the FactoryTalk Services Platform can exploit the improper password hashing implementation to bypass authentication controls.

The exploitation scenario involves leveraging the weakened credential protection to either extract password information in a recoverable form or directly bypass the authentication mechanism altogether. Since the SHA-256 hashing is not functioning properly, the comparison between stored credentials and provided authentication data may be circumventable.

Due to the critical nature of ICS environments and the potential for lateral movement to connected control systems, successful exploitation poses severe risks to operational technology (OT) infrastructure.

Detection Methods for CVE-2020-14516

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual authentication attempts or successful logins from unexpected network locations or IP addresses targeting FactoryTalk Services Platform
• Anomalous access patterns to FactoryTalk Services Platform administrative interfaces
• Multiple failed or successful authentication events in rapid succession indicating credential testing
• Unauthorized configuration changes to FactoryTalk Services Platform or connected automation systems

Detection Strategies

• Monitor authentication logs for the FactoryTalk Services Platform for anomalous login patterns and unauthorized access attempts
• Deploy network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) to identify suspicious traffic patterns targeting FactoryTalk Services Platform ports and services
• Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for post-exploitation activity on systems running FactoryTalk Services Platform
• Conduct regular security assessments of ICS network segmentation to identify potential exposure paths

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for all authentication events on FactoryTalk Services Platform instances
• Configure SIEM alerts for authentication anomalies specific to ICS/SCADA environments
• Establish baseline behavior for legitimate FactoryTalk Services Platform access and alert on deviations
• Monitor for unauthorized changes to user accounts, permissions, or system configurations within the platform

How to Mitigate CVE-2020-14516

Immediate Actions Required

• Verify if FactoryTalk Services Platform versions 6.10.00 or 6.11.00 are deployed in your environment and prioritize remediation
• Review the CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-21-054-01 for vendor-recommended mitigation steps
• Implement strict network segmentation to isolate FactoryTalk Services Platform from untrusted networks and the internet
• Apply vendor-provided patches or upgrades as soon as they are available
• Conduct a security review of all accounts and access permissions within affected FactoryTalk Services Platform deployments

Patch Information

Organizations should consult the CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-21-054-01 for official patch information and vendor guidance from Rockwell Automation. The advisory provides specific remediation recommendations and details on updated software versions that address this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to FactoryTalk Services Platform from trusted networks only
• Deploy firewalls and access control lists to limit connectivity to the affected platform to authorized systems and users
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where supported to add an additional layer of protection beyond password-based authentication
• Consider implementing application-level firewalls or reverse proxies to monitor and filter traffic to the platform
• Regularly audit user accounts and remove unnecessary access privileges