CVE-2011-4874 in PROMOTIC
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in MICROSYS PROMOTIC before 8.1.7 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (data corruption and application crash) via a crafted project (aka .pra) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2017
The CVE-2011-4874 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in MICROSYS PROMOTIC software versions prior to 8.1.7, exposing users to significant security risks including remote code execution and system instability. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of crafted project files with the .pra extension, which are fundamental components in the PROMOTIC industrial automation platform used extensively in manufacturing and control systems environments.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from improper memory management within the application's file parsing routine for .pra project files. When the software processes a maliciously crafted project file, it fails to properly validate memory references, leading to a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed after the memory has been deallocated. This classic use-after-free condition creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application process. The vulnerability operates at the application level rather than at the operating system level, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where such applications often run with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation to encompass serious reliability and security concerns in industrial environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to cause denial of service conditions through data corruption and application crashes, which can be particularly devastating in manufacturing settings where system uptime and process control are critical. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that victims must open or process the malicious .pra file, typically through social engineering or phishing campaigns, but once triggered, the vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise or operational disruption.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in memory management, and represents a common class of flaws that can be exploited through file-based attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. The impact on industrial control systems is particularly concerning given that PROMOTIC is widely deployed in critical infrastructure sectors where the reliability and security of control software is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates to version 8.1.7 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to PROMOTIC applications and establish strict file validation procedures for project files. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unauthorized .pra file modifications and unusual application behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of industrial control systems should be conducted to identify similar memory management flaws in other critical applications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software in industrial environments where security patches may not be applied as frequently as in traditional enterprise settings, making timely remediation critical for operational continuity and security posture.