CVE-2011-4537 in IGSS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in 7-Technologies (7T) Interactive Graphical SCADA System (IGSS) 9.0.0.11355 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted packet to TCP port (1) 12397 or (2) 12399.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4537 represents a critical security flaw within the 7-Technologies Interactive Graphical SCADA System version 9.0.0.11355 and earlier releases. This industrial control system software operates in critical infrastructure environments where reliability and security are paramount, making such vulnerabilities particularly dangerous as they can compromise the integrity of operational technology networks. The affected system serves as a graphical interface for supervisory control and data acquisition processes, commonly deployed in manufacturing, energy, and utilities sectors where continuous operation is essential. The vulnerability manifests through buffer overflow conditions that occur when the system receives malformed network packets on specific TCP ports, creating potential attack vectors that could lead to system compromise or service disruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the IGSS system's network communication handlers. When the system processes incoming packets on TCP ports 12397 and 12399, it fails to adequately check the length and format of received data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where these ports may be accessible from external networks or within the same local network segment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise to encompass potential widespread disruption of critical infrastructure operations. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems, potentially manipulating process controls, accessing sensitive operational data, or causing complete system outages that could result in production losses, safety hazards, or environmental damage. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability means that even if code execution cannot be achieved, attackers can still disrupt operations by crashing the system, leading to production downtime and requiring costly recovery procedures. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, with the attack surface potentially expanding through lateral movement within the network once initial access is achieved. The industrial control system environment also makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as traditional security measures may not be adequately deployed, and system administrators may not be aware of the specific attack vectors targeting these specialized systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4537 require immediate action from system administrators and industrial security teams. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the buffer overflow conditions in the IGSS system. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to the vulnerable TCP ports 12397 and 12399, particularly by blocking external access to these ports and limiting internal access to authorized personnel only. Network access control lists and firewalls should be configured to prevent unauthorized connections to these specific ports, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous traffic patterns on these ports can provide early warning of attempted exploitation. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable IGSS software and ensure that all systems are properly patched and monitored. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in industrial environments and demonstrates the critical need for vulnerability management programs specifically tailored to operational technology infrastructure, as these systems often operate in isolation from typical enterprise security processes.