CVE-2011-1565 in IGSS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in IGSSdataServer.exe 9.00.00.11063 and earlier in 7-Technologies Interactive Graphical SCADA System (IGSS) allows remote attackers to (1) read (opcode 0x3) or (2) create or write (opcode 0x2) arbitrary files via ..\ (dot dot backslash) sequences to TCP port 12401.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2025
The CVE-2011-1565 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the IGSSdataServer.exe component of the 7-Technologies Interactive Graphical SCADA System version 9.00.00.11063 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the SCADA system's communication protocol implementation, specifically affecting the data server module that handles remote client connections on TCP port 12401. The flaw enables unauthorized remote attackers to manipulate file system access through specially crafted network requests that exploit improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors: opcode 0x3 for reading arbitrary files and opcode 0x2 for creating or writing arbitrary files, both utilizing the ..\ (dot dot backslash) directory traversal sequence that is commonly exploited in file system access attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the IGSSdataServer.exe application failing to properly sanitize and validate input parameters received through the network protocol. When processing network requests containing the ..\ sequence, the application does not adequately verify that file paths remain within the intended directory boundaries, allowing attackers to navigate outside the designated file system scope. This occurs because the server application does not implement proper path validation or canonicalization mechanisms to prevent malicious path manipulation. Attackers can leverage this weakness by sending specially crafted packets to TCP port 12401 using the specified opcodes, enabling them to access sensitive system files or inject malicious content into arbitrary locations on the target system. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in SCADA environments where the data server typically operates with elevated privileges and has access to critical system resources and operational data.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1565 in industrial control systems is substantial, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of SCADA operations. Remote attackers can potentially read sensitive configuration files, operational data, or system credentials that could lead to further exploitation within the industrial network. The ability to create or write files allows for persistent backdoor installation, malware deployment, or modification of critical system files that could disrupt industrial processes or cause safety hazards. In the context of industrial environments, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate control systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, safety incidents, or unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security posture of SCADA systems by providing an unauthenticated remote attack surface that bypasses normal access controls and privilege mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1565 should include immediate patching of the affected IGSS software to version 9.00.00.11064 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to TCP port 12401, limiting connections to only authorized management systems and personnel. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the IGSSdataServer.exe process with minimal required permissions and avoiding execution with administrative privileges. Input validation should be strengthened through proper path canonicalization and validation routines that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect and alert on suspicious patterns of network traffic targeting TCP port 12401 with ..\ sequences. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components, following the ATT&CK framework's approach to identifying and mitigating remote code execution and privilege escalation vectors in industrial environments.