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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2024-7988 Rockwell Automation CVE debrief

A critical remote code execution vulnerability in Rockwell Automation ThinManager ThinServer allows unauthenticated threat actors to execute arbitrary code with System privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation that enables arbitrary file overwrite operations. Affected versions span multiple release branches from 11.1.0 through 13.2.0. Rockwell Automation has released patched versions for all affected branches. This vulnerability was disclosed by CISA on August 29, 2024.

Vendor
Rockwell Automation
Product
ThinManager ThinServer
CVSS
CRITICAL 9.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2024-08-29
Original CVE updated
2024-08-29
Advisory published
2024-08-29
Advisory updated
2024-08-29

Who should care

Organizations operating Rockwell Automation ThinManager ThinServer in industrial environments, particularly manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors where thin client management systems are deployed. System administrators responsible for OT/ICS security and patch management should prioritize remediation.

Technical summary

CVE-2024-7988 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Rockwell Automation ThinManager ThinServer caused by improper input validation that allows arbitrary file overwrite. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this to execute arbitrary code with System privileges. The vulnerability affects ThinServer versions 11.1.0-11.1.6, 11.2.0-11.2.7, 12.0.0-12.0.5, 12.1.0-12.1.6, 13.0.0-13.0.3, 13.1.0-13.1.1, and 13.2.0. Rockwell Automation has released patched versions for all affected release branches. The vulnerability carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 (Critical) with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no privileges or user interaction required.

Defensive priority

critical

Recommended defensive actions

  • Upgrade ThinManager ThinServer to patched versions: 11.1.8, 11.2.9, 12.0.7, 12.1.8, 13.0.5, 13.1.3, or 13.2.2 (or newer)
  • Apply network segmentation to restrict ThinServer access to authorized administrative hosts only
  • Implement defense-in-depth controls per CISA ICS recommended practices
  • Review and apply Rockwell Automation security best practices guidance
  • Monitor for unauthorized file system modifications on ThinServer hosts

Evidence notes

Vulnerability description and affected product versions derived from CISA CSAF advisory ICSA-24-242-01. CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 (Critical) confirmed from source. Remediation guidance including specific patched versions provided by vendor through CISA advisory.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2024-7988 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-7988

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2024-7988 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-7988

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • Source item URL

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cisagov/CSAF/develop/csaf_files/OT/white/2024/icsa-24-242-01.json

    cisa_csaf

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-24-242-01

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/alerts/ICS-ALERT-10-301-01

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/ics-recommended-practices

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Cybersecurity_Best_Practices_for_Industrial_Control_Systems.pdf

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/topics/industrial-control-systems

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/recommended_practices/NCCIC_ICS-CERT_Defense_in_Depth_2016_S508C.pdf

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/tips/ICS-TIP-12-146-01B

    Reference

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.