CVE-2015-0980 in BACnet OPC
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in BACnOPCServer.exe in the SOAP web interface in SCADA Engine BACnet OPC Server before 2.1.371.24 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0980 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the BACnOPCServer.exe component of SCADA Engine BACnet OPC Server software. This flaw exists specifically within the SOAP web interface implementation and affects versions prior to 2.1.371.24. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data within the server's web interface components, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted requests containing format string specifiers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the category of CWE-134, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where untrusted data is used as a format string parameter in functions such as printf, sprintf, or similar formatting routines. When the BACnOPCServer.exe processes incoming requests through its SOAP interface, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the format string specifiers contained in user input, allowing attackers to inject malicious format specifiers that can manipulate the program's execution flow. This occurs because the application directly uses user-provided data in format string functions without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for industrial control systems that rely on SCADA Engine BACnet OPC Server implementations. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical industrial processes. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely without authentication significantly elevates the risk, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems that may be responsible for managing critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing processes. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which describes exploitation of remote services to gain system access, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage for code execution.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the nature of SCADA systems and their typically limited security awareness compared to traditional enterprise environments. The SOAP web interface serves as a primary communication channel for system management and monitoring, making it a prime target for exploitation. Attackers can craft malicious requests containing format string specifiers that, when processed by the vulnerable server, can lead to stack corruption, memory overwrite, or direct code execution. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous in environments where such systems may be exposed to external networks or where network segmentation is insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0980 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 2.1.371.24 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the format string vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the SOAP web interface and consider disabling unnecessary web services or interfaces entirely. Additional defensive measures include implementing robust input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, particularly in web interfaces, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious requests containing format string specifiers. The vulnerability's classification as a critical issue warrants immediate attention from security teams and should be prioritized alongside other high-severity threats in industrial control system security programs. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls specifically configured to detect and block format string attack patterns targeting the affected SOAP interface.