CVE-2012-4357 in Winlog Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in Sielco Sistemi Winlog Pro SCADA before 2.07.17 and Winlog Lite SCADA before 2.07.17 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by referencing, within a port-46824 TCP packet, an invalid file-pointer index that leads to execution of an EnterCriticalSection code block.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4357 represents a critical array index error affecting Sielco Sistemi Winlog Pro SCADA and Winlog Lite SCADA software versions prior to 2.07.17. This flaw exists within the network communication handling mechanism of these industrial control systems, specifically when processing TCP packets transmitted over port 46824. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the software's file pointer management system, creating a condition where malicious actors can exploit improper array indexing to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted TCP packets that contain invalid file-pointer indices within the payload. When the affected SCADA systems process these malformed packets, the software attempts to reference an array element using an out-of-bounds index value. This error condition triggers a cascade of memory corruption issues that ultimately allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the running SCADA application. The vulnerability specifically targets the EnterCriticalSection code block, which is a critical synchronization primitive used to manage access to shared resources in multi-threaded environments. This exploitation technique leverages the fundamental weakness in the software's memory management practices, where improper bounds checking fails to validate the legitimacy of array indices before access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to industrial control systems that rely on Sielco Sistemi SCADA solutions for critical infrastructure management. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can potentially compromise entire industrial networks without requiring physical access to the systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SCADA systems often control essential services such as water treatment, power generation, and manufacturing processes. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, making it especially dangerous for environments where network security measures may be insufficient or where legacy systems remain operational without proper patching. This flaw directly impacts the integrity and availability of industrial processes, potentially leading to operational disruptions, safety hazards, and unauthorized access to sensitive operational data.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official patches released by Sielco Sistemi, specifically upgrading to Winlog Pro SCADA version 2.07.17 or later and Winlog Lite SCADA version 2.07.17 or later. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to port 46824, particularly from untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous TCP packet patterns targeting this specific vulnerability can provide early warning capabilities. Organizations should also consider conducting thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial control system environments to identify any other potentially affected systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array index bounds, and represents a classic example of how buffer overflows and memory corruption issues can be exploited in industrial control systems. The attack pattern follows common techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for execution through command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how remote code execution vulnerabilities in industrial environments can be leveraged for persistent access and system compromise.