CVE-2017-7967 in VAMPSET
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of VAMPSET software produced by Schneider Electric, prior to V2.2.189, are susceptible to a memory corruption vulnerability when a corrupted vf2 file is used. This vulnerability causes the software to halt or not start when trying to open the corrupted file. This vulnerability occurs when fill settings are intentionally malformed and is opened in a standalone state, without connection to a protection relay. This attack is not considered to be remotely exploitable. This vulnerability has no effect on the operation of the protection relay to which VAMPSET is connected. As Windows operating system remains operational and VAMPSET responds, it is able to be shut down through its normal closing protocol.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7967 represents a memory corruption flaw within Schneider Electric's VAMPSET software suite, affecting all versions prior to V2.2.189. This issue manifests when the software attempts to process corrupted vf2 files, which are typically used for configuration and parameter settings within electrical protection systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the file parsing routine, specifically when handling malformed fill settings within the vf2 file format. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates characteristics consistent with buffer overflow conditions or improper memory handling, as defined by CWE-121, which addresses memory buffer errors that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant within the context of industrial control systems and electrical protection environments where VAMPSET serves as a critical configuration tool. When a maliciously crafted or corrupted vf2 file is opened in standalone mode without connection to a protection relay, the software exhibits abnormal behavior including application crashes or complete failure to initialize. This represents a denial of service condition that can disrupt operational workflows and potentially impact system maintenance schedules. The vulnerability's classification as non-remotely exploitable aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious files to gain unauthorized access to systems, though in this case the attack vector is limited to local file manipulation rather than network-based exploitation. The fact that the protection relay itself remains unaffected indicates this vulnerability is confined to the configuration software layer and does not represent a direct threat to the operational integrity of the relay systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7967 should focus on immediate software updates to VAMPSET version 2.2.189 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the memory corruption vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict file validation procedures before introducing any vf2 files into the VAMPSET environment, including verification of file integrity through checksums or digital signatures. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit who can introduce potentially malicious files into the system, aligning with defense-in-depth principles. Additionally, organizations should establish robust backup and recovery procedures to ensure that system downtime caused by this vulnerability can be minimized. The vulnerability's limited scope and lack of remote exploitability mean that network-based security controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems provide minimal protection, though endpoint protection solutions that monitor for suspicious file operations may offer some value. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of software versions to ensure all systems remain patched against known vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management in industrial control system software, particularly when dealing with configuration files that may be subject to manipulation or corruption.