CVE-2017-16749 in Delta Industrial Automation Screen Editor
Summary
by MITRE
A Use-after-Free issue was discovered in Delta Electronics Delta Industrial Automation Screen Editor, Version 2.00.23.00 or prior. Specially crafted .dpb files could exploit a use-after-free vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16749 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Delta Electronics Delta Industrial Automation Screen Editor version 2.00.23.00 and earlier. This issue resides within industrial automation software commonly used in manufacturing and control systems environments where reliability and security are paramount. The vulnerability manifests through improper memory management practices that occur when the application processes specially crafted .dpb files, which are typically used for screen configuration and display settings in industrial automation interfaces. The use-after-free condition arises when the software attempts to access memory that has already been freed, creating a potential exploitation vector for malicious actors targeting industrial control systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious .dpb files that trigger the use-after-free condition during the parsing process of these configuration files. When the Delta Industrial Automation Screen Editor loads such files, the application's memory management routines fail to properly handle the deallocated memory references, allowing attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code within the context of the running application. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software applications, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where such systems often run with elevated privileges and continuous operation requirements. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that industrial automation systems typically operate in closed networks where traditional security measures may be insufficient.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-16749 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially compromising the integrity of industrial control systems and disrupting critical manufacturing processes. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to industrial automation interfaces, modify screen configurations, or even manipulate control logic within the automation environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many industrial facilities may not regularly update their automation software, leaving systems vulnerable to exploitation for extended periods. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1070.004 for bypassing security measures through memory corruption. The vulnerability's persistence in industrial environments also raises concerns about supply chain security, as compromised automation tools could affect multiple facilities using the same software versions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Delta Industrial Automation Screen Editor to version 2.00.24.00 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for .dpb files, particularly those received from external sources or untrusted environments. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced around industrial automation systems to limit potential attack vectors. Regular security assessments of industrial control systems should include vulnerability scanning for outdated automation software, with particular attention to legacy systems that may not receive regular updates. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting file execution permissions can help prevent unauthorized .dpb files from being processed by the vulnerable application. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure software development practices in industrial automation, particularly around memory management and input validation, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 standards for industrial automation and control systems security.