CVE-2012-6438: The device does not properly validate the data being sent to the buffer. An attacker can send a malformed CIP packet to Port 2222/TCP, Port 2222/UDP, ...

Description

The device does not properly validate the data being sent to the buffer. An attacker can send a malformed CIP packet to Port 2222/TCP, Port 2222/UDP, Port 44818/TCP, or Port 44818/UDP, which creates a buffer overflow and causes the NIC to crash. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could cause loss of availability and a disruption in communications with other connected devices. Rockwell Automation EtherNet/IP products; 1756-ENBT, 1756-EWEB, 1768-ENBT, and 1768-EWEB communication modules; CompactLogix L32E and L35E controllers; 1788-ENBT FLEXLogix adapter; 1794-AENTR FLEX I/O EtherNet/IP adapter; ControlLogix 18 and earlier; CompactLogix 18 and earlier; GuardLogix 18 and earlier; SoftLogix 18 and earlier; CompactLogix controllers 19 and earlier; SoftLogix controllers 19 and earlier; ControlLogix controllers 20 and earlier; GuardLogix controllers 20 and earlier; and MicroLogix 1100 and 1400

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

32.73%

98.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Rockwellautomation	Controllogix Controllers	<= 20
Rockwellautomation	Guardlogix Controllers	<= 20
Rockwellautomation	Micrologix	<= 1100
Rockwellautomation	Micrologix	<= 1400
Rockwellautomation	Softlogix Controllers	<= 19
Rockwellautomation	1756-Enbt	All versions
Rockwellautomation	1756-Eweb	All versions
Rockwellautomation	1768-Enbt	All versions
Rockwellautomation	1768-Eweb	All versions
Rockwellautomation	1794-Aentr Flex I\/O Ethernet\/Ip Adapter	All versions
Rockwellautomation	Compactlogix	<= 18
Rockwellautomation	Compactlogix Controllers	<= 19
Rockwellautomation	Compactlogix L32e Controller	All versions
Rockwellautomation	Compactlogix L35e Controller	All versions
Rockwellautomation	Controllogix	<= 18
Rockwellautomation	Flexlogix 1788-Enbt Adapter	All versions
Rockwellautomation	Guardlogix	<= 18
Rockwellautomation	Softlogix	<= 18

References

Timeline

Published: Jan 24, 2013
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2012-6438?

The device does not properly validate the data being sent to the buffer. An attacker can send a malformed CIP packet to Port 2222/TCP, Port 2222/UDP, Port 44818/TCP, or Port 44818/UDP, which creates a buffer overflow and causes the NIC to crash. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could cause loss of availability and a disruption in communications with other connected devices. Rockwell Automation EtherNet/IP products; 1756-ENBT, 1756-EWEB, 1768-ENBT, and 1768-EWEB communication modules; CompactLogix L32E and L35E controllers; 1788-ENBT FLEXLogix adapter; 1794-AENTR FLEX I/O EtherNet/IP adapter; ControlLogix 18 and earlier; CompactLogix 18 and earlier; GuardLogix 18 and earlier; SoftLogix 18 and earlier; CompactLogix controllers 19 and earlier; SoftLogix controllers 19 and earlier; ControlLogix controllers 20 and earlier; GuardLogix controllers 20 and earlier; and MicroLogix 1100 and 1400

How severe is CVE-2012-6438?

CVE-2012-6438 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 32.73% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2012-6438?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.