CVE-2015-1007 in PAC Project Professional
Summary
by MITRE
A specially crafted configuration file could be used to cause a stack-based buffer overflow condition in the OPCTest.exe, which may allow remote code execution on Opto 22 PAC Project Professional versions prior to R9.4008, PAC Project Basic versions prior to R9.4008, PAC Display Basic versions prior to R9.4g, PAC Display Professional versions prior to R9.4g, OptoOPCServer version R9.4c and prior that were installed by PAC Project installer, versions prior to R9.4008, and OptoDataLink version R9.4d and prior that were installed by PAC Project installer, versions prior to R9.4008. Opto 22 suggests upgrading to the new product version as soon as possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1007 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting multiple Opto 22 PAC Project software components including Professional and Basic versions prior to R9.4008, Display versions prior to R9.4g, and various server and data link applications. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the OPCTest.exe executable which processes configuration files without proper bounds checking mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to craft malicious configuration files that trigger memory corruption when the application attempts to parse and load these files into stack memory regions. The vulnerability manifests as a classic buffer overflow condition where attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability operates through a well-defined attack vector that leverages the application's failure to validate the size and content of configuration files during parsing operations. When OPCTest.exe encounters a malformed configuration file containing oversized data structures or specially crafted payload sequences, the application's memory management routines fail to enforce proper buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been documented across numerous industrial control systems and embedded applications. The attack requires the victim to load or process the malicious configuration file through the vulnerable application, making social engineering or supply chain compromise potential attack methods.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1007 extends significantly within industrial control environments where Opto 22 PAC Project software is deployed for automation and control systems. Remote code execution capabilities enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure systems, potentially leading to process manipulation, data theft, or system compromise. The vulnerability affects multiple product lines including OPC servers, data link applications, and display software components that are commonly integrated into industrial automation architectures. This creates a substantial risk profile for organizations operating in critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and process control environments where these applications are extensively deployed. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation without requiring authentication makes it particularly dangerous in operational technology environments where security controls may be less robust than traditional information technology systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1007 should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor updates and patches. Organizations must upgrade all affected Opto 22 software versions to the latest releases including R9.4008 for Professional and Basic versions, R9.4g for Display versions, and appropriate updates for OPC Server and DataLink applications. Security teams should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running vulnerable applications and establish monitoring procedures for unusual configuration file modifications. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting controls and restricting file execution permissions can help prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their industrial control system environments to identify any other potentially affected applications or components that may share similar memory management flaws. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be implemented as part of the overall industrial cybersecurity program to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.