CVE-2016-5800 in Automation PM Designer V3
Summary
by MITRE
A malicious attacker can trigger a remote buffer overflow in the Communication Server in Fatek Automation PM Designer V3 Version 2.1.2.2, and Automation FV Designer Version 1.2.8.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5800 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting Fatek Automation's PM Designer and FV Designer software platforms. This issue exists within the Communication Server component of these industrial automation tools, specifically impacting versions 2.1.2.2 and 1.2.8.0 respectively. The flaw allows malicious actors to exploit remote code execution capabilities through carefully crafted input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, potentially leading to system compromise and unauthorized access to industrial control environments. The affected software serves as a programming and configuration interface for automation systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Communication Server module. When the software processes network communication requests or data inputs from external sources, it fails to properly bounds-check the incoming data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic programming error creates a condition where an attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow or injecting malicious code. The vulnerability manifests during remote communication operations, making it accessible over network connections without requiring physical access to the system. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that have been consistently identified as high-risk in industrial control systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5800 extends beyond simple system compromise, as it directly threatens the integrity and availability of industrial automation processes. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to critical control systems, potentially manipulating industrial processes, disrupting production workflows, or even causing physical damage to equipment. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target these systems from anywhere on the network, making traditional perimeter-based security measures insufficient for protection. Organizations using Fatek automation software in manufacturing, process control, or critical infrastructure environments face significant risk, as this vulnerability could be leveraged to create persistent backdoors or escalate privileges within their operational technology environments. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these tools are commonly used in environments where system reliability and security are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5800 should prioritize immediate software updates from Fatek Automation, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing the buffer overflow vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous communication patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of network intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify malicious traffic patterns targeting these automation platforms provides an additional layer of defense. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary network services and ports associated with the Communication Server component, as well as implementing strict firewall rules that limit access to these systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, making it essential for organizations to maintain comprehensive threat hunting capabilities and ensure proper system hardening practices are implemented across their industrial control networks.