CVE-2011-1568 in IGSS
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the logText function in shmemmgr9.dll in IGSSdataServer.exe 9.00.00.11074, and 9.00.00.11063 and earlier, in 7-Technologies Interactive Graphical SCADA System (IGSS) allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code, as demonstrated using the RMS Reports Delete command, related to the logging of messages to GSST.LOG. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-1568 represents a critical format string flaw within the IGSSdataServer.exe application, specifically within the shmemmgr9.dll library component. This vulnerability exists in the logText function that handles message logging to the GSST.LOG file, affecting IGSS versions 9.00.00.11074 and earlier. The flaw manifests when the application processes user-supplied input through the RMS Reports Delete command functionality, creating a pathway for remote exploitation that can result in both denial of service conditions and potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by its location within the core SCADA system architecture, where it can be triggered without authentication from remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the logging mechanism, where the application directly incorporates user-controllable data into format string operations without adequate sanitization or escaping. This creates an environment where maliciously crafted input can manipulate the format string parsing behavior, allowing attackers to either read sensitive memory locations or write arbitrary data to memory addresses. The CWE-134 classification applies directly to this issue, as it involves the use of untrusted data in a format string context, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices that can lead to severe security consequences including information disclosure and remote code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to industrial control systems that rely on the IGSS platform for monitoring and control operations. The ability to remotely execute arbitrary code on a SCADA server can lead to complete system compromise, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate industrial processes, disrupt operations, or gain access to sensitive operational data. The denial of service component of this vulnerability means that even if code execution is not achieved, attackers can still disrupt critical system operations by causing the application to crash or become unresponsive, which can have severe consequences in industrial environments where system uptime is critical. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability can be triggered through the RMS Reports Delete command, which may be accessible through standard network protocols used in SCADA communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected IGSS versions to the latest available releases that contain format string validation fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to IGSS systems, particularly restricting network access to the RMS Reports functionality. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that only necessary personnel have access to the affected system components, and that access controls are properly configured to prevent unauthorized command execution. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened throughout the application to prevent format string manipulation, and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual logging activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter usage is relevant here, as exploitation may involve command injection through the vulnerable logging mechanism, making proper input sanitization and monitoring essential defensive measures.