CVE-2017-5177 in WinPLC7
Summary
by MITRE
A Stack Buffer Overflow issue was discovered in VIPA Controls WinPLC7 5.0.45.5921 and prior. A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified, where an attacker with a specially crafted packet could overflow the fixed length buffer. This could allow remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5177 represents a critical stack buffer overflow flaw within VIPA Controls WinPLC7 version 5.0.45.5921 and earlier iterations. This issue manifests as a fundamental memory corruption vulnerability that arises from improper input validation within the software's packet processing functionality. The flaw specifically affects the handling of network packets transmitted to the PLC system, creating an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted data can cause unintended memory behavior. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a specially crafted packet to the affected WinPLC7 system. The system's failure to properly validate the size of incoming data results in a buffer overflow condition where the fixed-length buffer receives more data than it can accommodate. This overflow corrupts the stack memory, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack variables. The consequences of successful exploitation include arbitrary code execution within the context of the running PLC process, effectively granting remote attackers complete control over the industrial control system. This vulnerability directly maps to the MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain remote access and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5177 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of industrial control systems. In industrial environments where PLCs control critical infrastructure, manufacturing processes, or safety systems, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate production processes, cause system failures, or create unauthorized access points. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target these systems from outside the local network perimeter, making traditional network segmentation ineffective against this particular threat. Organizations utilizing VIPA Controls WinPLC7 systems face significant risk of operational disruption, safety hazards, and potential financial losses if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that many industrial environments lack the sophisticated network monitoring and intrusion detection capabilities that would typically identify such exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5177 should encompass both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates to upgrade to WinPLC7 versions that address this specific buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate PLC systems from general network traffic, utilizing firewalls and access control lists to restrict communication to only necessary endpoints. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, with particular attention to unusual traffic volumes or malformed packets targeting the affected system. Additionally, implementing secure network protocols and disabling unnecessary services on PLC systems reduces the attack surface. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other industrial control system components, while establishing incident response procedures ensures rapid response to any exploitation attempts. The remediation process must also include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to ensure operational stability of critical industrial processes.