CVE-2016-5802 in WPLSoft
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Delta Electronics WPLSoft, Versions prior to V2.42.11, ISPSoft, Versions prior to 3.02.11, and PMSoft, Versions prior to 2.10.10. Multiple instances of out-of-bounds write conditions may allow malicious files to be read and executed by the affected software.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5802 represents a critical software flaw affecting multiple industrial automation products from Delta Electronics including WPLSoft, ISPSoft, and PMSoft. This issue manifests as multiple out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when the affected software processes maliciously crafted files, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability impacts versions prior to specific patches including WPLSoft V2.42.11, ISPSoft 3.02.11, and PMSoft 2.10.10, indicating that these products were susceptible to memory corruption attacks that could be exploited by adversaries. The flaw essentially allows attackers to manipulate memory locations beyond the intended boundaries of the software's data structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the affected applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities in heap-based memory structures. These memory corruption issues are particularly dangerous in industrial control systems where the affected software is commonly deployed for programmable logic controller (PLC) programming and configuration. The out-of-bounds write conditions create opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other control data structures within the application's execution context. When malicious files are processed through these vulnerable applications, the memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, ultimately enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected software process.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5802 extends beyond traditional information technology environments into critical infrastructure sectors where Delta Electronics products are extensively used. Industrial control systems that rely on these vulnerable software applications become susceptible to remote code execution attacks, potentially allowing adversaries to compromise entire industrial processes. The vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious file uploads, network-based attacks, or social engineering campaigns targeting system administrators. Once successfully exploited, attackers could gain persistent access to industrial control systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or unauthorized modifications to process control parameters. The affected software typically runs with elevated privileges within industrial environments, amplifying the potential damage from successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5802 should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Delta Electronics to address the specific out-of-bounds write conditions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential attack surfaces, particularly for industrial control systems that may be exposed to external networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file processing activities and unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges for industrial software applications can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial software environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1068 for exploit development against local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems and implement defense-in-depth strategies that include intrusion detection systems and security information event management solutions.