CVE-2011-2530 in RSLinx Classic
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in RSEds.dll in RSHWare.exe in the EDS Hardware Installation Tool 1.0.5.1 and earlier in Rockwell Automation RSLinx Classic before 2.58 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a malformed .eds file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2530 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the RSEds.dll component of Rockwell Automation's RSLinx Classic software suite. This issue affects the EDS Hardware Installation Tool version 1.0.5.1 and earlier versions, creating a significant security risk for industrial control systems that rely on Rockwell Automation products for their operations. The vulnerability specifically resides in the RSHWare.exe executable which processes .eds files, commonly used for device configuration in industrial automation environments. The buffer overflow occurs when the application fails to properly validate the length of data contained within malformed .eds files, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw manifests when the RSLinx Classic application attempts to parse an oversized or malformed .eds file, causing the buffer in RSEds.dll to overflow beyond its allocated memory space. This memory corruption can result in unpredictable application behavior, including application crashes that constitute a denial of service condition, or more critically, arbitrary code execution if the overflow allows an attacker to inject and execute malicious instructions within the application's memory space. The vulnerability requires user-assisted remote exploitation, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to open a specially crafted .eds file, but once triggered, the impact can be severe for industrial control systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, particularly within industrial environments where RSLinx Classic is commonly deployed for configuring and managing industrial devices. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause complete application crashes that may interrupt critical industrial processes, potentially leading to production downtime or safety hazards in environments where continuous operation is essential. The ability to execute arbitrary code through this vulnerability presents a more serious threat, as it could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems, potentially leading to data manipulation, process interference, or even physical damage to industrial equipment. Organizations using Rockwell Automation products in critical infrastructure environments face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it could serve as a foothold for more extensive attacks against their operational technology networks.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2530 involve immediate patching of the affected RSLinx Classic software to version 2.58 or later, which includes the necessary fixes to address the buffer overflow conditions in RSEds.dll. System administrators should also implement strict file validation procedures for .eds files, particularly those received from external sources or untrusted parties, to prevent exploitation through malicious file uploads or downloads. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of systems running RSLinx Classic to only necessary personnel and networks. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of the vulnerable RSHWare.exe component unless absolutely required. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in industrial control software, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and code execution. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of industrial control systems should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.