CVE-2017-16745 in Industrial Automation Screen Editor
Summary
by MITRE
A Type Confusion issue was discovered in Delta Electronics Delta Industrial Automation Screen Editor, Version 2.00.23.00 or prior. An access of resource using incompatible type ('type confusion') vulnerability may allow an attacker to execute remote code when processing specially crafted .dpb files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16745 represents a critical type confusion flaw within Delta Electronics Delta Industrial Automation Screen Editor version 2.00.23.00 and earlier releases. This type confusion vulnerability manifests when the application processes specially crafted .dpb files, which are used for configuring industrial automation screen displays. The underlying issue stems from improper handling of data types during the parsing process, where the software fails to correctly validate or distinguish between different data type representations. This fundamental flaw creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the application's memory operations through crafted input files, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where automation systems are deployed, as it could enable attackers to compromise critical infrastructure control systems.
From a technical perspective, the type confusion vulnerability occurs when the Delta Industrial Automation Screen Editor attempts to access memory resources using incompatible data types. This typically happens when the application expects one type of data structure but receives another, causing the program to interpret memory locations incorrectly. The specific implementation flaw allows attackers to manipulate the .dpb file format in such a way that the parser's internal type handling mechanisms are bypassed or corrupted. This mismanagement of data types can result in stack corruption, heap corruption, or other memory-related issues that enable attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the application's execution context. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-471, which specifically addresses the issue of "Incorrectly Handling of Incompatible Types" in software applications, making it a well-documented pattern of insecure programming practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, particularly within industrial control systems where the Delta Screen Editor is commonly deployed. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to industrial automation environments, potentially disrupting critical manufacturing processes or gaining persistent access to sensitive operational data. The remote code execution capability means that adversaries could compromise systems without requiring physical access or local user credentials, making it especially dangerous in environments where industrial networks are connected to corporate networks or the internet. This vulnerability could enable attackers to perform lateral movement within industrial networks, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads. The implications are particularly severe in critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and process control, where operational technology (OT) systems are increasingly connected to information technology networks, creating expanded attack surfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16745 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of defensive measures to prevent exploitation. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of Delta Industrial Automation Screen Editor that addresses this type confusion vulnerability, as provided by Delta Electronics. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks or users. Input validation and sanitization measures should be enhanced to prevent processing of untrusted .dpb files, particularly in environments where automated processing occurs. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file processing activities or attempts to access the vulnerable application with malformed input. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and type validation in industrial software systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter' and T1203 for 'Exploitation for Client Execution', highlighting how type confusion vulnerabilities can serve as initial access vectors in targeted industrial attacks. Additionally, this vulnerability underscores the need for comprehensive software security testing including fuzzing and memory safety analysis, particularly for embedded systems and industrial control applications that may not undergo the same security rigor as general-purpose software.