CVE-2010-4597 in IntegraXor
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the save method in the IntegraXor.Project ActiveX control in igcomm.dll in Ecava IntegraXor Human-Machine Interface (HMI) before 3.5.3900.10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in the second argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4597 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the IntegraXor.Project ActiveX control component of Ecava IntegraXor Human-Machine Interface software. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 3.5.3900.10 and resides within the save method of the igcomm.dll library that handles project data persistence operations. The flaw manifests when processing user-supplied input through the second argument of the save method, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow places it under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation within the ActiveX control's save method, where a maliciously crafted string input exceeding the allocated buffer space can overwrite adjacent stack memory. This type of buffer overflow creates a condition where attackers can manipulate the program execution flow by overwriting the return address on the stack, effectively redirecting program control to malicious code injected by the attacker. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution without requiring local system access, making it a significant threat in networked environments where ActiveX controls are deployed. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that ActiveX controls are commonly enabled in Internet Explorer environments, providing attackers with multiple potential attack surfaces.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses severe risks to industrial control systems and human-machine interface environments where Ecava IntegraXor software is deployed. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely on systems managing critical infrastructure operations creates potential for significant operational disruption, data compromise, and system control hijacking. Organizations utilizing this software in production environments face potential exposure to attacks that could compromise process control systems, leading to safety incidents, operational failures, or unauthorized access to sensitive industrial data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through web-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently browse to malicious websites or receive crafted content through email attachments. The attack can result in complete system compromise, persistent backdoor installation, and potential lateral movement within networked industrial control systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4597 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 3.5.3900.10 or later, which includes the necessary patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks and users. Browser security configurations should be adjusted to disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only, following security best practices outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify potential exposure to similar buffer overflow conditions. The remediation process should also include comprehensive system hardening, including disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls, implementing proper input validation procedures, and establishing incident response protocols specifically designed to address remote code execution vulnerabilities in industrial control environments. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain detailed logging of ActiveX control usage within their environments.