CVE-2012-5049 in Optima PLC
Summary
by MITRE
APIFTP Server in Optimalog Optima PLC 1.5.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a malformed packet.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5049 affects the APIFTP Server component within Optimalog Optima PLC version 1.5.2 and earlier systems. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes the industrial control system to potential disruption attacks. The affected system operates within industrial environments where reliable network communication is essential for operational continuity, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for critical infrastructure deployments.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of malformed network packets by the APIFTP Server implementation. When remote attackers send specifically crafted malformed packets to the server, the system enters an infinite loop condition that consumes excessive computational resources and renders the service unavailable. This behavior constitutes a classic denial of service vulnerability where legitimate users cannot access the FTP services due to the server's inability to process normal requests. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the packet processing logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise industrial control system integrity. In environments where Optima PLC systems control critical manufacturing processes or infrastructure operations, an infinite loop condition can lead to extended downtime and production losses. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers can trigger the condition from external networks without requiring physical access, making it particularly dangerous for systems connected to corporate networks or the internet. This type of denial of service attack can be used as part of broader cyber operations that target industrial control systems.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a form of resource exhaustion attack that can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the system fails to implement proper packet validation and loop termination mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through firmware updates provided by Optimalog, as well as network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure. Additional mitigations include implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for malformed packet traffic and establishing network monitoring protocols to detect unusual resource consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.