CVE-2016-2290 in GP-Pro EX EX-ED
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Pro-face GP-Pro EX EX-ED before 4.05.000, PFXEXEDV before 4.05.000, PFXEXEDLS before 4.05.000, and PFXEXGRPLS before 4.05.000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2019
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2290 affects multiple versions of Pro-face GP-Pro EX software including EX-ED, PFXEXEDV, PFXEXEDLS, and PFXEXGRPLS prior to version 4.05.000. This vulnerability resides within the industrial automation and SCADA software ecosystem, specifically targeting the Pro-face GP-Pro EX platform used for developing and deploying human machine interface applications in industrial environments. The affected software versions are commonly deployed in manufacturing facilities, process control systems, and critical infrastructure applications where reliable and secure operation is paramount. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could potentially compromise entire industrial control systems.
The technical flaw manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when processing certain input data within the software's memory management routines. This type of vulnerability typically arises when the application fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into heap-allocated memory buffers. The unspecified vectors suggest that the attack could be triggered through various communication channels or data input methods within the software's protocol handling mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which represents a critical weakness in memory safety that allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute malicious code. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage network-based attack vectors without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where network connectivity is essential.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise the integrity and availability of industrial control systems. Remote attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure applications, modify operational parameters, or disrupt industrial processes. In industrial control environments, such vulnerabilities can lead to significant operational disruptions, safety hazards, and potential financial losses. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these software components are often deployed in environments where system uptime and security are critical requirements. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services and network-based attack vectors. Industrial environments utilizing these software components face increased risk of supply chain attacks or targeted intrusions that could compromise operational technology networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software patching and updates to versions 4.05.000 or later, which contain the necessary security fixes to address the heap-based buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to industrial control systems and restrict communication channels to only essential traffic. Additional security controls should include network monitoring for unusual communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementation of intrusion detection systems specifically configured for industrial protocols, and regular security assessments of industrial control environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date industrial control system software and implementing robust security practices that align with NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for industrial control systems security. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar memory safety issues in other industrial automation software components. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that enforce strict access controls and continuous monitoring of all system interactions within industrial environments.