CVE-2016-4518 in PI AF Server
Summary
by MITRE
OSIsoft PI AF Server before 2016 2.8.0 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (service outage) via a message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4518 affects OSIsoft PI AF Server versions prior to 2016 2.8.0, presenting a significant security risk that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute denial of service attacks against the affected system. This flaw resides within the server's message processing capabilities, where improperly handled input messages can trigger service outages that disrupt normal operations for authorized users who rely on the PI AF Server for critical data management and analytics functions. The vulnerability specifically targets the server's ability to process incoming messages, suggesting that the flaw exists in the message parsing or handling mechanisms rather than in authentication itself.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the PI AF Server's message processing pipeline. When authenticated users send specially crafted messages to the server, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the message content, leading to unexpected behavior that results in service disruption. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which represents "Improper Input Validation," and more specifically aligns with CWE-400, "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption," as the malicious message consumption leads to resource exhaustion or system instability. The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that only users who have valid credentials can exploit this vulnerability, but this does not mitigate the potential impact on system availability.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4518 extends beyond simple service disruption, as the PI AF Server serves as a critical component in industrial automation and monitoring environments where continuous operation is essential. When the server becomes unavailable due to this vulnerability, it can result in complete loss of access to process data, preventing operators from making informed decisions based on real-time information. This disruption can cascade through industrial control systems, potentially affecting production processes, safety monitoring, and overall operational efficiency. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where the PI AF Server is used for enterprise data management, as the service outage can impact multiple downstream applications that depend on the server's data availability.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and error handling in server applications, particularly those serving industrial control systems where reliability is paramount. The attack pattern follows typical denial of service methodologies where legitimate authenticated users can leverage their access privileges to cause system instability. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments and implement appropriate controls to prevent exploitation. The mitigation strategy involves upgrading to OSIsoft PI AF Server version 2016 2.8.0 or later, which includes patches addressing the message processing flaws. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual message patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security updates and vulnerability management processes in industrial environments where legacy systems may remain in operation for extended periods.