CVE-2024-48851 Overview
CVE-2024-48851 is an improper input validation vulnerability affecting ABB FLXEON building automation controllers. The flaw allows remote code execution through improperly validated input sent to the device. ABB FLXEON versions up to and including 9.3.5 are affected. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-1287: Improper Validation of Specified Type of Input. Exploitation requires network access and high privileges but no user interaction, and it impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected controller.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation of CVE-2024-48851 enables remote code execution on ABB FLXEON controllers, giving attackers full control over building automation processes.
Affected Products
- ABB FLXEON versions through 9.3.5
- Building automation environments deploying vulnerable FLXEON controllers
- Networked operational technology (OT) installations exposing FLXEON management interfaces
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-18 - CVE-2024-48851 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-48851
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-48851 stems from improper validation of a specified type of input within the ABB FLXEON firmware. When the controller receives crafted input over the network, it fails to enforce type or structural constraints before processing. This lapse allows an authenticated remote attacker to influence execution flow and run arbitrary code on the device. The Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) currently places this vulnerability in the 40th percentile, reflecting moderate near-term exploitation likelihood against unpatched systems.
Because FLXEON devices operate as building automation controllers, code execution translates directly to control over physical processes such as HVAC, lighting, and access systems. Refer to the ABB Technical Document for vendor guidance.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing or insufficient input type validation check ([CWE-1287]) in a network-accessible handler. The controller accepts input without verifying it matches the expected data type or format, permitting attacker-controlled data to reach sensitive processing paths that lead to code execution.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network against FLXEON management or control interfaces. The attacker must hold high privileges on the device but does not require user interaction. Attackers with valid administrative or operator credentials, whether obtained through credential theft, reuse, or lateral movement, can weaponize this flaw to pivot from configuration access to full firmware-level code execution.
No public proof-of-concept exploit or exploit database entry is currently associated with this CVE. Consult the ABB Technical Document for the vendor's remediation details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-48851
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected process execution or configuration changes on FLXEON controllers running firmware 9.3.5 or earlier.
- Anomalous inbound network traffic to FLXEON management endpoints from non-engineering workstations.
- Authentication events from privileged FLXEON accounts originating from unusual source addresses or at atypical times.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect network traffic to FLXEON controllers for malformed or type-inconsistent payloads targeting management protocols.
- Correlate privileged FLXEON authentication events with subsequent configuration or firmware-level changes to identify abuse of trusted accounts.
- Baseline expected controller behavior and alert on deviations such as new outbound connections or unexpected service restarts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward FLXEON audit and authentication logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation.
- Monitor OT network segments for east-west traffic anomalies between IT hosts and FLXEON devices.
- Track firmware versions across the FLXEON fleet to identify assets still running vulnerable builds up to 9.3.5.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-48851
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all ABB FLXEON controllers running firmware 9.3.5 or earlier and prioritize them for remediation.
- Restrict network access to FLXEON management interfaces to a dedicated engineering VLAN or jump host.
- Rotate credentials for privileged FLXEON accounts and enforce unique, strong passwords per device.
Patch Information
ABB has published remediation guidance in the ABB Technical Document. Apply the fixed firmware release referenced in that advisory to all FLXEON controllers running versions through 9.3.5. Validate firmware integrity after upgrade and confirm the vulnerable versions are no longer present in the environment.
Workarounds
- Place FLXEON controllers behind a firewall and block all inbound access from untrusted networks and the internet.
- Enforce network segmentation between corporate IT and building automation networks to limit lateral movement.
- Limit administrative access to FLXEON devices to named engineering accounts and disable unused local or service accounts.
# Example: restrict inbound access to FLXEON controllers using iptables on an upstream gateway
iptables -A FORWARD -s 10.10.20.0/24 -d 10.50.0.0/24 -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A FORWARD -d 10.50.0.0/24 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
