CVE-2008-2474 in PCU400
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in x87 before 3.5.5 in ABB Process Communication Unit 400 (PCU400) 4.4 through 4.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted packet using the (1) IEC60870-5-101 or (2) IEC60870-5-104 communication protocol to the X87 web interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2474 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting the x87 component of ABB Process Communication Unit 400 (PCU400) versions 4.4 through 4.6. This issue specifically impacts the communication protocols IEC60870-5-101 and IEC60870-5-104, which are fundamental standards for energy control and automation systems. The vulnerability exists within the X87 web interface implementation and allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through carefully crafted network packets. The affected systems operate within industrial control environments where security is paramount for maintaining operational continuity and preventing potential physical damage to critical infrastructure. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, and also maps to ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of remote services.
The technical flaw manifests when the x87 component processes incoming packets that conform to the IEC60870-5-101 or IEC60870-5-104 protocols without proper input validation and boundary checking. Attackers can craft malicious packets that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing a stack overflow condition that can be leveraged to overwrite return addresses and execute malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network level, allowing remote exploitation without requiring physical access to the target system. The affected versions of the PCU400 software fail to implement proper bounds checking mechanisms, enabling attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially gain full system control. This vulnerability represents a significant threat to industrial control systems as it can be exploited from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly attractive to threat actors targeting critical infrastructure sectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond typical network security concerns, as it directly affects industrial automation and control systems that manage critical infrastructure such as power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing processes. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, leading to unauthorized access to operational controls, data manipulation, and potential physical damage to equipment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these systems from anywhere on the internet, significantly expanding the attack surface. Organizations operating ABB PCU400 systems in industrial environments face the risk of operational disruptions, safety hazards, and potential loss of life if these systems are compromised. The impact is particularly severe given that many industrial control systems operate in environments where traditional IT security measures may be insufficient or absent, creating additional attack vectors for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to ABB software versions 3.5.5 or later, which contain patches for the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate critical industrial control systems from general network access and deploy intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for IEC60870-5-101 and IEC60870-5-104 protocol anomalies. Network access controls should be enforced at multiple levels to prevent unauthorized access to the X87 web interface and related communication ports. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the communication protocols themselves can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing specifically targeting industrial control protocols to identify and remediate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by adversaries. The remediation process must be carefully planned to avoid disrupting critical industrial operations while ensuring comprehensive protection against this and related vulnerabilities.