CVE-2011-3497 in ScadaPro
Summary
by MITRE
service.exe in Measuresoft ScadaPro 4.0.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary DLL functions via the XF function, possibly related to an insecure exposed method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3497 affects Measuresoft ScadaPro 4.0.0 and earlier versions, specifically targeting the service.exe component within the software suite. This industrial control system software is designed for supervisory control and data acquisition applications, commonly used in critical infrastructure environments where security is paramount. The flaw manifests in the improper handling of the XF function within the service.exe module, creating a remote code execution vector that could be exploited by malicious actors without authentication.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from an insecure exposed method within the ScadaPro service component that processes the XF function. This function appears to be designed to handle external requests or communications, but fails to properly validate input parameters or restrict access controls. The insecure exposed method allows remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary DLL functions through the XF interface, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. This represents a classic remote code execution vulnerability where the attacker can leverage the service's exposed interface to load and execute malicious dynamic link libraries on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond typical software flaws due to the critical infrastructure context in which ScadaPro operates. Remote exploitation of this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain full control over industrial control systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access to critical processes, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where industrial systems are connected to corporate networks or the internet. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-79, representing issues in command injection and cross-site scripting respectively, while also mapping to ATT&CK technique T1219 for remote access software and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3497 should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches or updates, as Measuresoft would have likely released a security update addressing the insecure exposed method. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate ScadaPro systems from general corporate networks, deploy firewalls to restrict access to the service.exe component, and establish strict access controls for system administration. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for unusual XF function requests, implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to detect exploitation attempts, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of industrial control systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in industrial software and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of control system components before deployment in operational environments.