CVE-2014-9206 in Device Type Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Device Type Manager (DTM) 3.1.6 and earlier for Schneider Electric Invensys SRD Control Valve Positioner devices 960 and 991 allows local users to gain privileges via a malformed DLL file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9206 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Device Type Manager (DTM) component of Schneider Electric Invensys SRD Control Valve Positioner devices model 960 and 991. This vulnerability exists in DTM versions 3.1.6 and earlier, where the software fails to properly validate the size of dynamically loaded DLL files. The flaw occurs during the loading process when the application attempts to copy data from an untrusted source into a fixed-size buffer located on the stack, without adequate bounds checking mechanisms. This particular implementation weakness creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers who possess the ability to place malicious DLL files within the device's operational environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions. When a local user places a malformed DLL file into the system, the DTM component processes this file without sufficient input validation, leading to the corruption of adjacent stack memory locations. The overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This privilege escalation occurs because the DTM service typically runs with higher privileges than normal user accounts, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous for industrial control systems. The vulnerability is classified as local since it requires physical or network access to the device to place the malicious DLL file, though this access requirement does not diminish its severity in industrial environments where physical security may be insufficient.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9206 extends significantly beyond typical enterprise environments due to the industrial control systems context in which these devices operate. Control valve positioners are critical components in process control systems, particularly in oil and gas, chemical processing, and power generation facilities where they regulate the flow of materials through pipelines and reactors. A successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized modification of control parameters, potentially leading to dangerous process conditions, equipment damage, or safety system failures. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where these devices are deployed without proper network segmentation or where physical access controls are inadequate. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor software security practices that are common in industrial environments, where the focus on operational reliability often overshadows security considerations, making such systems particularly attractive targets for sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements in industrial control environments. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to DTM versions that have been patched to address the buffer overflow condition, which typically includes implementing proper bounds checking and input validation for all dynamically loaded components. Organizations should also implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local access to these devices, including disabling unnecessary services and restricting physical access to control systems. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to isolate these devices from general network access, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify potential attack vectors. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security standards such as those defined by NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems, which emphasize the need for secure configuration management and regular vulnerability assessments. Additionally, implementing runtime protection mechanisms and intrusion detection systems can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts before they can cause operational damage, aligning with ATT&CK techniques focused on privilege escalation and execution through legitimate system processes.