CVE-2010-4709 in Modbus
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Automated Solutions Modbus/TCP Master OPC Server before 3.0.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a MODBUS response packet with a crafted length field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4709 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the Automated Solutions Modbus/TCP Master OPC Server version 3.0.1 and earlier. This flaw exists within the server's handling of MODBUS response packets, specifically when processing the length field in crafted MODBUS responses. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The affected system operates as an OPC (OLE for Process Control) server that facilitates communication between industrial control systems and higher-level applications, making it a potential target for industrial control system attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a MODBUS response packet containing an oversized length field that exceeds the buffer allocation limits within the OPC server application. When the server processes this malformed packet, the insufficient input validation causes the application to write data beyond the intended buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption. This memory corruption can manifest as either a denial of service condition causing the server to crash and restart, or potentially allow remote code execution if the attacker can control the overwritten memory locations. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that the corruption affects dynamically allocated memory segments, which can lead to unpredictable behavior and system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within industrial environments where OPC servers serve as critical communication bridges between supervisory control and data acquisition systems. Organizations utilizing the affected Modbus/TCP Master OPC Server version are at risk of operational disruptions that can cascade through industrial processes, potentially leading to production halts, safety system failures, or unauthorized access to critical infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the industrial network to compromise the system, making it particularly dangerous in connected industrial environments. This flaw directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1498.001 for Network Denial of Service, which can be leveraged to disrupt industrial operations or establish persistent access points within operational technology environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4709 primarily focus on immediate software patching to version 3.0.2 or later of the Automated Solutions Modbus/TCP Master OPC Server. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general enterprise networks, employ network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous MODBUS traffic patterns, and establish robust input validation procedures for all industrial communication protocols. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial control systems, highlighting the need for regular security assessments of operational technology infrastructure. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for MODBUS protocol anomalies and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence on industrial control system attacks can help organizations detect and respond to exploitation attempts. Network access controls should be enforced to limit direct access to OPC servers and ensure that only authorized systems can communicate with industrial control infrastructure.