CVE-2010-4557 in Wonderware InBatch
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the lm_tcp service in Invensys Wonderware InBatch 8.1 and 9.0, as used in Invensys Foxboro I/A Series Batch 8.1 and possibly other products, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted request to port 9001.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4557 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the lm_tcp service component of Invensys Wonderware InBatch versions 8.1 and 9.0. This issue specifically affects the Invensys Foxboro I/A Series Batch 8.1 system and potentially other related products within the Invensys ecosystem. The vulnerability manifests through a crafted request sent to port 9001, which serves as the primary communication endpoint for the affected service. The buffer overflow occurs when the lm_tcp service processes incoming network requests without proper input validation, allowing malicious actors to exploit the flaw through carefully constructed data payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the lm_tcp service's request handling mechanism. When legitimate network traffic arrives at port 9001, the service fails to validate the length and content of incoming data buffers before processing them. This fundamental flaw in input sanitization creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can overflow the allocated memory buffers, causing unpredictable behavior in the system's memory management. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires network access to port 9001, making it remotely exploitable without authentication requirements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enabling remote code execution capabilities. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can cause the lm_tcp service to crash and restart, resulting in service disruption and potential data loss. However, the more concerning aspect is that sophisticated attackers may be able to leverage this vulnerability to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected service. This capability could allow adversaries to gain unauthorized access to the industrial control system, potentially compromising the integrity of batch processing operations and creating pathways for further lateral movement within the industrial network infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes the classic stack-based buffer overflow condition, and represents a significant concern within industrial control system security frameworks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets a service exposed to external network access. The affected systems typically operate within critical infrastructure environments where availability and integrity of batch processing operations are paramount. Organizations utilizing these legacy industrial control systems face particular risk due to the age of the software and potential lack of modern security updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4557 should prioritize immediate network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of port 9001 to trusted networks only. Implementing network access control lists and firewall rules to restrict access to the affected service can significantly reduce attack surface. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling the lm_tcp service entirely if it is not required for operations, as this provides the most effective defense against exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and network monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining awareness of the specific attack patterns associated with buffer overflow exploits targeting industrial control systems.