CVE-2011-3492 in DAQFactory
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Azeotech DAQFactory 5.85 build 1853 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and execute arbitrary code via a crafted NETB packet to UDP port 20034.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3492 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Azeotech DAQFactory software version 5.85 build 1853 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability specifically affects the network communication protocols used by the DAQFactory application, creating a security risk that can be exploited remotely through crafted network packets. The affected service operates on UDP port 20034, which serves as the primary attack vector for malicious actors seeking to compromise systems running vulnerable versions of this data acquisition software. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the network packet processing routines, allowing attackers to overflow the allocated stack buffer space and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This particular implementation flaw occurs during the processing of NETB protocol packets, which are part of the NetBIOS networking protocol suite commonly used for network communication in industrial and scientific environments. When a specially crafted NETB packet is received on UDP port 20034, the DAQFactory application fails to properly validate the packet size or content, leading to a buffer overflow condition that can result in program termination or more severe exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of defensive programming practices and insufficient validation of network inputs, making it particularly dangerous in environments where industrial control systems or scientific data acquisition equipment are deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3492 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the vulnerability provides attackers with potential code execution capabilities that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Systems running vulnerable versions of DAQFactory may experience unexpected crashes or system instability, leading to data loss or operational disruptions in critical environments such as manufacturing facilities, research laboratories, or scientific instrumentation centers. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential impact. Organizations utilizing DAQFactory in industrial control systems face particular risk, as these environments often lack the robust security controls found in traditional enterprise networks and may have limited monitoring capabilities for unusual network traffic patterns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from Azeotech, as the vendor likely released fixes addressing the buffer overflow conditions in subsequent versions. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to UDP port 20034, particularly in environments where the DAQFactory application is not essential for operations. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unusual traffic patterns on the affected port and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments for industrial control systems, as many of these environments remain vulnerable to attacks due to outdated software versions or insufficient security awareness. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and control through application layer protocols, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains.