CVE-2013-2801 in PI Interface
Summary
by MITRE
The OSIsoft PI Interface for IEEE C37.118 before 1.0.6.158 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (instance shutdown and data-collection outage) via crafted C37.118 configuration packets that trigger an invalid read operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2801 affects the OSIsoft PI Interface for IEEE C37.118 software version prior to 1.0.6.158, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks against industrial control systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the configuration packet processing mechanism within the IEEE C37.118 communication interface, which is widely used in power system automation and monitoring environments for transmitting synchrophasor data. The flaw resides in the improper validation of incoming configuration packets, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt critical infrastructure operations through carefully crafted malicious inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from an invalid read operation that occurs when the system processes malformed C37.118 configuration packets. According to CWE-125, this represents an out-of-bounds read condition where the software attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw manifests when the PI Interface receives specially crafted packets that contain invalid or unexpected data structures within the C37.118 protocol framework. These packets trigger a memory access violation that causes the application to terminate unexpectedly, resulting in complete instance shutdown and subsequent data collection outages. The vulnerability operates at the protocol parsing layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or specialized privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2801 extends far beyond simple service disruption, as it directly affects the reliability and availability of critical infrastructure monitoring systems. In power grid environments where IEEE C37.118 synchrophasor data is essential for real-time monitoring and control, this vulnerability can lead to complete loss of situational awareness and potentially compromise grid stability. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it allows remote exploitation, meaning attackers can target systems from external networks without physical access. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and demonstrates how industrial control systems can be targeted through protocol-level flaws that are often overlooked during security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected OSIsoft PI Interface software to version 1.0.6.158 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper packet validation and memory handling. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of critical systems to untrusted networks, following principles outlined in NIST SP 800-84 for industrial control systems security. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous C37.118 traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in industrial control system software, emphasizing the need for robust security testing during development phases and regular vulnerability assessments of operational technology environments. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed to monitor for protocol anomalies in industrial communication frameworks.