CVE-2015-1006 in PAC Project Professional
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerable file in Opto 22 PAC Project Professional versions prior to R9.4006, PAC Project Basic versions prior to R9.4006, PAC Display Basic versions prior to R9.4f, PAC Display Professional versions prior to R9.4f, OptoOPCServer versions prior to R9.4c, and OptoDataLink version R9.4d and prior versions that were installed by PAC Project installer, versions prior to R9.4006, is susceptible to a heap-based buffer overflow condition that may allow remote code execution on the target system. Opto 22 suggests upgrading to the new product version as soon as possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-1006 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow condition affecting multiple Opto 22 industrial automation software products including PAC Project Professional, PAC Project Basic, PAC Display Basic, PAC Display Professional, OptoOPCServer, and OptoDataLink. This flaw exists in versions prior to the specified release numbers and specifically targets files installed by the PAC Project installer. The vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied data within the software's memory management routines, creating a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap allocation space.
This heap-based buffer overflow presents a significant security risk as it can be exploited remotely to achieve arbitrary code execution on target systems. The vulnerability's exploitation potential stems from the improper bounds checking during data processing, allowing attackers to craft malicious inputs that exceed the allocated buffer size. When such inputs are processed by the vulnerable software, they can overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code into the target system's memory space, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it affects industrial control systems that are fundamental to critical infrastructure operations. These Opto 22 products are commonly deployed in manufacturing environments, process control systems, and industrial automation networks where system reliability and security are paramount. The vulnerability's presence in multiple product lines suggests a systemic flaw in the software architecture that could affect various operational technology environments simultaneously. Organizations relying on these industrial automation platforms face potential risks including unauthorized system access, data manipulation, process disruption, and potentially physical safety hazards in environments where control systems directly manage industrial processes.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack technique matrix under techniques related to remote code execution and memory corruption attacks. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability represents a classic example of a heap overflow that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent access within industrial networks. The recommended mitigation strategy of upgrading to the patched versions addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and memory bounds checking. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow demonstrates its fundamental nature as a memory safety issue that requires careful attention to proper buffer management practices in industrial software development. This case highlights the importance of secure coding practices in industrial control systems where traditional cybersecurity measures may not be sufficient to protect against sophisticated attacks targeting embedded systems and automation platforms.