title: AutomationDirect DirectLOGIC with Serial Communication Cleartext Transmission
description: AutomationDirect DirectLOGIC is vulnerable to a specifically crafted serial message to the CPU serial port that will cause the PLC to respond with the PLC password in cleartext. This could allow an attacker to access and make unauthorized changes. This issue affects: AutomationDirect DirectLOGIC D0-06 series CPUs D0-06DD1 versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DD2 versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DR versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DA versions prior to 2.72; D0-06AR versions prior to 2.72; D0-06AA versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DD1-D versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DD2-D versions prior to 2.72; D0-06DR-D versions prior to 2.72;
problem types: CWE-319 Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information
affected:
{
product: DirectLOGIC D0-06 series CPUs
vendor: AutomationDirect
versions:
lessThan: 2.72, status: affected, version: D0-06DD1, versionType: custom
lessThan: 2.72, status: affected, version: D0-06DD2, versionType: custom
lessThan: 2.72, status: affected, version: D0-06DR, versionType: custom
lessThan: 2.72, status: affected, version: D0-06DA, versionType: custom
lessThan: 2.72, status: affected, version: D0-06AR, versionType: custom
lessThan: 2.72, status: affected, version: D0-06AA, versionType: custom
lessThan: 2.72, status: affected, version: D0-06DD1-D, versionType: custom
lessThan: 2.72, status: affected, version: D0-06DD2-D, versionType: custom
lessThan: 2.72, status: affected, version: D0-06DR-D, versionType: custom
}
metrics:
cvssV3_1: [
attackComplexity: LOW
attackVector: LOCAL
availabilityImpact: NONE
baseScore: 7.7
baseSeverity: HIGH
confidentialityImpact: HIGH
integrityImpact: HIGH
privilegesRequired: NONE
scope: UNCHANGED
userInteraction: NONE
vectorString: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
version: 3.1
]
solutions: AutomationDirect recommends users upgrade to firmware Version 2.72 or later, which will no longer respond with the password when requested with the specially crafted message.
Additional mitigation for brute force password access has also been added. Three incorrect password entries will result in a 3-hour lock out of password entry. Power cycle will allow subsequent password attempts.
While automation networks and systems have built-in password protection schemes, this is only one step in securing the affected systems. Automation control system networks must incorporate data protection and security measures at least as robust as a typical business computer system. AutomationDirect recommends users of PLCs, HMI products, and other SCADA system products perform independent network security analysis to determine the proper level of security required for the application.
AutomationDirect has identified the specific mitigation actions listed below:
Secure physical access.
Isolate and air gap networks when possible.
Consider some of the AutomationDirect newer PLC families.