CVE-2011-5163 in CitectSCADA
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in an unspecified third-party component in the Batch module for Schneider Electric CitectSCADA before 7.20 and Mitsubishi MX4 SCADA before 7.20 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long string in a login sequence.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5163 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting SCADA systems from Schneider Electric and Mitsubishi. This issue resides within the Batch module of these industrial control systems, specifically targeting the authentication process during login sequences. The flaw enables local attackers to execute arbitrary code by providing an excessively long string input, potentially compromising the entire industrial control infrastructure. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 7.20 of both CitectSCADA and MX4 SCADA, making it a significant concern for organizations operating legacy SCADA systems in critical infrastructure environments.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the authentication module of these SCADA platforms. When a user attempts to log in with a malformed string exceeding the allocated buffer size, the system fails to properly handle the overflow condition, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient bounds checking in input processing. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the authentication layer, providing attackers with a potential foothold for further system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5163 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system takeover of industrial control environments. Local users with access to the system can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, potentially gaining administrative control over critical infrastructure operations. The implications are severe for industrial environments where SCADA systems control processes such as power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing operations. Attackers could manipulate control systems to cause operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to industrial assets. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script interpreter, and T1068, which involves exploit for privilege escalation in enterprise environments.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to versions 7.20 or later of both CitectSCADA and MX4 SCADA to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of local privilege escalation attacks. Regular security assessments of SCADA systems should include vulnerability scanning for similar buffer overflow conditions, particularly in authentication modules. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed for industrial control environments to monitor for suspicious authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of updated systems to ensure that the vulnerability patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing industrial processes.