CVE-2011-3493 in Cogent DataHub
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the DH_OneSecondTick function in Cogent DataHub 7.1.1.63 and earlier allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via long (1) domain, (2) report_domain, (3) register_datahub, or (4) slave commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3493 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Cogent DataHub software version 7.1.1.63 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the DH_OneSecondTick function, which serves as a crucial timing mechanism within the industrial automation and data acquisition system. The affected software operates in environments where reliable data processing and system stability are paramount, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can compromise the integrity of industrial control systems. The vulnerability specifically targets four distinct command parameters: domain, report_domain, register_datahub, and slave commands, all of which are commonly used in network communications and system registration processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the DH_OneSecondTick function, where user-supplied data is directly copied to fixed-size stack buffers without proper bounds checking. This flaw allows attackers to overflow the allocated stack space and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory. The attack vector is remote, meaning that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly concerning for networked industrial environments where the software may be exposed to external networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it potentially enables remote code execution capabilities. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the application to crash or, more dangerously, allow attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the running process. This represents a significant threat to industrial control systems where system stability and data integrity are critical. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Cogent DataHub, which is designed to manage and process real-time data from various industrial sources, making any compromise of this system potentially catastrophic for industrial operations. The impact on system availability and integrity aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499, which covers network denial of service attacks, while also potentially enabling T1059 for remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected Cogent DataHub software to version 7.1.1.64 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit exposure of the affected systems to untrusted networks, and employ input validation controls to filter malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable function. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious command sequences targeting the affected parameters can help detect exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing network access controls and disabling unnecessary network services to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in industrial control systems, where traditional security measures may not be sufficient to protect against sophisticated attacks targeting critical infrastructure components.