CVE-2011-1919 in Intelligent Platforms Proficy Historian
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in GE Intelligent Platforms Proficy Applications before 4.4.1 SIM 101 and 5.x before 5.0 SIM 43 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted TCP message traffic to (1) PRProficyMgr.exe in Proficy Server Manager, (2) PRGateway.exe in Proficy Server Gateway, (3) PRRDS.exe in Proficy Remote Data Service, or (4) PRLicenseMgr.exe in Proficy Server License Manager.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1919 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple components within GE Intelligent Platforms Proficy Applications suite. This vulnerability impacts versions prior to 4.4.1 SIM 101 for the 4.x series and 5.0 SIM 43 for the 5.x series, creating a significant security risk for industrial control systems that rely on these applications for operational monitoring and management. The affected executables include PRProficyMgr.exe, PRGateway.exe, PRRDS.exe, and PRLicenseMgr.exe, which collectively form the core infrastructure of the Proficy platform used in industrial environments.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation mechanisms within the TCP message handling routines of these critical application components. When these executables receive crafted TCP messages, the buffer overflow occurs in the stack memory region, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior including daemon crashes or more severe exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking on incoming network data, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations with malicious payloads. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that enables attackers to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where system integrity and availability are paramount. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause critical system daemons to crash, resulting in service interruptions that could affect industrial processes and potentially lead to safety hazards. The remote attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability without physical access to the systems, making it especially concerning for industrial networks where security boundaries may be less defined. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1499 Endpoint Denial of Service, representing both execution and availability attack vectors.
Organizations utilizing GE Intelligent Platforms Proficy Applications should implement immediate remediation measures including applying the vendor patches released in versions 4.4.1 SIM 101 and 5.0 SIM 43. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to these vulnerable services, particularly at the network perimeter. Additionally, monitoring for anomalous TCP traffic patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date industrial control system software and demonstrates the critical need for vulnerability management programs in industrial environments where operational technology systems face unique security challenges compared to traditional enterprise IT infrastructure.