CVE-2017-16737 in LEVI Studio HMI Editor
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in WECON Technology LEVI Studio HMI Editor v1.8.29 and prior. A specially-crafted malicious file may be able to cause a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability when opened by a user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16737 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within WECON Technology LEVI Studio HMI Editor version 1.8.29 and earlier. This issue arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms when processing specially crafted malicious files, creating a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects human machine interface editor software used in industrial control systems, making it particularly concerning for operational technology environments where system stability and security are paramount.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the file parsing functionality of the HMI editor application. When a user opens a maliciously crafted file, the application fails to properly bounds-check data structures during memory allocation, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. This flaw falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a serious vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog due to its potential for causing system instability, denial of service, or remote code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates poor memory management practices and inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios, particularly within industrial environments where LEVI Studio HMI editors are deployed. These systems are often used in critical infrastructure applications such as manufacturing processes, power generation, and water treatment facilities, where unauthorized access or system compromise could result in significant operational disruption or safety hazards. The vulnerability's exploitation potential means that an attacker could potentially gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems, manipulate process variables, or cause system failures that might lead to production downtime or environmental incidents. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where system integrity and continuous operation are essential requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16737 should prioritize immediate software updates to the latest available version of LEVI Studio HMI Editor, as this represents the most effective defense against the known vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and restrict the opening of untrusted files through administrative controls and user access restrictions. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should be enforced to limit potential attack vectors, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in industrial control system components. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving execution through compromised applications and privilege escalation, making comprehensive endpoint protection and monitoring essential components of the overall security posture. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious files and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to industrial control system environments.