CVE-2011-4050 in IGSS
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in 7-Technologies (7T) Interactive Graphical SCADA System (IGSS) 9.0.0.11200 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted packet to TCP port 12401.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4050 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the 7-Technologies Interactive Graphical SCADA System version 9.0.0.11200. This SCADA system is widely deployed in industrial environments for monitoring and controlling industrial processes, making it a significant target for cyber threats. The vulnerability specifically affects the IGSS system's handling of network communications on TCP port 12401, which serves as the primary communication channel for the system's graphical interface and data exchange functionalities. The buffer overflow occurs when the system processes incoming network packets without proper bounds checking, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness through carefully crafted network traffic.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically classified as a stack-based buffer overflow that occurs when insufficient input validation permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw manifests when an attacker sends a malicious packet to the designated TCP port 12401, causing the application to allocate insufficient memory space for the incoming data. This insufficient memory allocation results in the overflow condition where attacker-controlled data overwrites critical program memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, enabling them to target the SCADA infrastructure from external networks, which significantly expands the attack surface and potential impact.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a serious threat to industrial control system security and operational continuity. SCADA systems like IGSS are critical infrastructure components that manage processes in manufacturing, power generation, water treatment, and other essential services. When compromised through this buffer overflow, the system may experience complete service disruption, requiring manual intervention to restore operations and potentially leading to extended downtime that can affect entire industrial processes. The vulnerability's characteristics align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category for network denial of service, where attackers seek to disrupt system availability through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Organizations utilizing this SCADA system face significant risk of operational disruption, particularly in environments where continuous operation is critical, and the potential for cascading failures in interconnected systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and comprehensive security measures. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security patch that addresses the buffer overflow condition in the IGSS system's network handling code. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of TCP port 12401 to only authorized systems and personnel. Network intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns on this port, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components. Additionally, implementing network access controls through firewalls and access control lists can prevent unauthorized access to the vulnerable port while maintaining necessary operational communications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for industrial control systems and demonstrates the critical need for robust security practices in protecting critical infrastructure against remote exploitation attempts.