CVE-2011-2959 in IGSS
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) service (Odbcixv9se.exe) in 7-Technologies Interactive Graphical SCADA System (IGSS) 9 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted packet to TCP port 22202.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2959 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Open Database Connectivity service component of the 7-Technologies Interactive Graphical SCADA System version 9 and earlier. This specific vulnerability resides in the Odbcixv9se.exe executable which serves as the core ODBC service handler for the IGSS platform. The flaw manifests when the service processes incoming network packets on TCP port 22202, which is designated as the default communication port for ODBC-related operations within this industrial control system environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the Odbcixv9se.exe process. When maliciously crafted packets are transmitted to the designated TCP port 22202, the service fails to properly bounds-check incoming data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crash. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential system compromise and operational disruption within industrial environments. SCADA systems like IGSS are critical infrastructure components that control and monitor industrial processes, making them prime targets for sophisticated attacks. The remote exploit capability means that adversaries can potentially compromise these systems from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability directly affects the availability and integrity of industrial control systems, potentially leading to production disruptions, safety hazards, or unauthorized access to critical infrastructure operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SCADA systems often operate in isolated networks but may still require remote access for maintenance or monitoring purposes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple defensive layers including immediate patch deployment from the vendor, network segmentation to isolate affected systems, and implementation of firewall rules to restrict access to TCP port 22202. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploiting known vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for proactive patch management and network access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns on the affected port and establish network monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for industrial control systems, as these environments often operate with extended lifecycles and may not receive regular security updates. Additionally, network administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems within their industrial control network infrastructure and implement proper access controls to limit exposure to this specific threat vector.