CVE-2016-8365 in PI System
Summary
by MITRE
OSIsoft PI System software (Applications using PI Asset Framework (AF) Client versions prior to PI AF Client 2016, Version 2.8.0; Applications using PI Software Development Kit (SDK) versions prior to PI SDK 2016, Version 1.4.6; PI Buffer Subsystem, versions prior to and including, Version 4.4; and PI Data Archive versions prior to PI Data Archive 2015, Version 3.4.395.64) operates between endpoints without a complete model of endpoint features potentially causing the product to perform actions based on this incomplete model, which could result in a denial of service. OSIsoft reports that in order to exploit the vulnerability an attacker would need to be locally connected to a server. A CVSS v3 base score of 7.1 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:H)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8365 affects OSIsoft PI System software components including PI AF Client, PI SDK, PI Buffer Subsystem, and PI Data Archive versions prior to their respective secure releases. This issue stems from the software's failure to maintain a complete and accurate model of endpoint features during communication processes, creating a fundamental flaw in the system's ability to properly handle endpoint interactions. The vulnerability specifically impacts applications that rely on these components for industrial automation and data management purposes, particularly within manufacturing and process control environments where system reliability is paramount. The incomplete endpoint feature modeling creates a scenario where the system makes decisions based on partial information, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system instability. This represents a significant concern for industrial control systems where availability and reliability are critical factors for operational continuity and safety.
The technical flaw manifests when the PI System software operates between endpoints without maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the features and capabilities of communicating parties. This incomplete model causes the system to perform actions that may be inappropriate or unsafe given the actual endpoint characteristics, potentially leading to denial of service conditions. The vulnerability requires local access to the target server for exploitation, which limits the attack surface but still represents a serious concern for environments where physical security controls may be insufficient. The CVSS v3 base score of 7.1 indicates a high severity impact with local access requirements, where the attack complexity is low and no user interaction is needed. The vector string AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:H demonstrates that while the attack requires local privileges, it can cause significant availability impact without compromising confidentiality or integrity. This aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in the protection of data, and represents a denial of service vulnerability that can severely impact industrial operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, particularly within industrial environments where PI System components are critical infrastructure elements. When the system performs actions based on incomplete endpoint modeling, it can lead to cascading failures that affect data collection, monitoring, and control processes essential for manufacturing operations. The potential for denial of service in industrial control systems can result in production halts, quality control issues, and safety concerns that may extend beyond immediate system availability. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk of operational disruption, particularly in scenarios where the PI System serves as a foundation for critical manufacturing processes. The vulnerability affects multiple components within the OSIsoft ecosystem, meaning that exploitation could potentially impact various aspects of industrial data management and communication. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for large industrial installations where multiple systems depend on the reliability of PI System components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8365 should prioritize immediate software updates to the affected versions, specifically upgrading PI AF Client to 2016, Version 2.8.0 or later, PI SDK to 2016, Version 1.4.6 or later, PI Buffer Subsystem to Version 4.5 or later, and PI Data Archive to 2015, Version 3.4.395.64 or later. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit local access to critical servers, as the vulnerability requires local connection for exploitation. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The mitigation approach should follow ATT&CK framework considerations for defense in depth, particularly focusing on privilege escalation and execution through local access points. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that the updated systems maintain their integrity and that no additional vulnerabilities have been introduced through the patching process. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with the vulnerability's exploitation characteristics.