CVE-2007-1313 in NETxEIB
Summary
by MITRE
NETxAutomation NETxEIB OPC Server before 3.0.1300 does not properly validate OLE for Process Control (OPC) server handles, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors involving the (1) IOPCSyncIO::Read, (2) IOPCSyncIO::Write, (3) IOPCServer::AddGroup, (4) IOPCServer::RemoveGroup, (5) IOPCCommon::SetClientName, and (6) IOPCGroupStateMgt::CloneGroup functions, which allow access to arbitrary memory. NOTE: the vectors might be limited to attackers with physical access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1313 affects NETxAutomation NETxEIB OPC Server versions prior to 3.0.1300, presenting a critical security flaw in the handling of OLE for Process Control server operations. This vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of OPC server handles within the component's implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through multiple interface functions. The affected interfaces include IOPCSyncIO::Read, IOPCSyncIO::Write, IOPCServer::AddGroup, IOPCServer::RemoveGroup, IOPCCommon::SetClientName, and IOPCGroupStateMgt::CloneGroup, all of which can potentially grant unauthorized access to arbitrary memory locations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the intended boundaries. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through improper input validation within the OPC server's COM interface implementations. When these functions are invoked with maliciously crafted parameters, the lack of proper handle validation allows attackers to manipulate memory pointers and potentially execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as it could enable remote code execution in certain scenarios, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where OPC servers are commonly deployed.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are significant, particularly within industrial automation and control systems where OPC servers serve as critical communication interfaces between devices and supervisory control applications. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could disrupt critical processes, potentially causing production halts or safety system failures. The fact that exploitation vectors may be limited to attackers with physical access reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the threat, as physical access in industrial environments can still be achieved through various means including social engineering, insider threats, or compromised credentials. The vulnerability affects systems where OPC communication is used for process control, data acquisition, and monitoring, making it particularly relevant to manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1313 should focus on immediate patching of the NETxEIB OPC Server to version 3.0.1300 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for handle validation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to OPC servers, particularly in industrial environments where physical security controls are paramount. Access controls should be strengthened through mandatory authentication, authorization, and audit logging for all OPC server interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in industrial communication protocols, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1499.004 for endpoint denial of service. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other industrial control system components, as the underlying root cause reflects common software development practices that require enhanced security awareness and secure coding standards throughout the industrial automation lifecycle.