CVE-2015-7918 in ProClima
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the F1BookView ActiveX control in F1 Bookview in Schneider Electric ProClima before 6.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (1) Attach, (2) DefinedName, (3) DefinedNameLocal, (4) ODBCPrepareEx, (5) ObjCreatePolygon, (6) SetTabbedTextEx, or (7) SetValidationRule method, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-8561.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7918 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within the F1BookView ActiveX control component of Schneider Electric ProClima software versions prior to 6.2. This flaw exists in the ActiveX control's handling of multiple method calls including Attach, DefinedName, DefinedNameLocal, ODBCPrepareEx, ObjCreatePolygon, SetTabbedTextEx, and SetValidationRule. The buffer overflow conditions arise from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within these specific methods, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures through maliciously crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent characteristics of ActiveX controls running within web browsers or applications that support COM object interaction. When these vulnerable methods receive improperly sized input data, the buffer overflow conditions cause memory corruption that can be systematically exploited to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect execution flow and ultimately achieve arbitrary code execution on the target system with the privileges of the affected application process.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7918 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it represents a remote code execution vulnerability that can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction. The vulnerability affects systems running Schneider Electric ProClima software versions before 6.2, making it particularly concerning for industrial control systems and SCADA environments where such software may be deployed. The attack surface includes web browsers that support ActiveX controls, potentially allowing remote attackers to compromise systems through drive-by downloads or crafted web pages that invoke the vulnerable ActiveX methods.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of buffer overflow exploitation patterns that align with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable adversaries to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems. The remote nature of the attack vector places this vulnerability in the T1190 category of exploitation through remote access tools and web-based attack frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7918 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Schneider Electric for ProClima versions prior to 6.2. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running vulnerable software, disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, and deploy application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX components. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around memory corruption indicators and unusual process execution patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping industrial control system software updated and maintaining proper security posture in operational technology environments.