CVE-2017-9628 in PCD Controllers
Summary
by MITRE
An Information Exposure issue was discovered in Saia Burgess Controls PCD Controllers with PCD firmware versions prior to 1.28.16 or 1.24.69. In certain circumstances, the device pads Ethernet frames with memory contents.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9628 represents a critical information exposure flaw in Saia Burgess Controls PCD controllers that affects firmware versions prior to 1.28.16 and 1.24.69. This issue manifests when the device processes Ethernet frames under specific conditions, leading to unintended memory leakage through frame padding mechanisms. The flaw resides in the network protocol handling implementation where the controller fails to properly sanitize Ethernet frame data before transmission, creating a pathway for sensitive information to be inadvertently exposed to network observers.
This technical vulnerability operates at the network protocol level and can be classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper handling of sensitive data. The flaw enables attackers to capture Ethernet frames and extract memory contents that are padded into the frames during transmission. The security implications extend beyond simple data leakage as the exposed memory segments could contain configuration parameters, authentication credentials, system variables, or other sensitive operational data that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the controller's network security implementation where proper input validation and memory sanitization procedures are not adequately enforced.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for industrial control systems that rely on Saia Burgess PCD controllers for critical infrastructure operations. When exploited, the information exposure could provide attackers with valuable insights into the controller's internal state, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, system compromise, or targeted exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the industrial control environment. The exposure of memory contents creates a goldmine of information for threat actors seeking to understand system configurations, operational parameters, or potential security weaknesses within the networked control infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9628 should prioritize firmware updates to the affected versions, specifically upgrading to firmware releases 1.28.16 or 1.24.69 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the memory padding issue. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these controllers to untrusted network segments. Additional protective measures include deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous Ethernet frame patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementing network intrusion detection systems with signatures specific to this vulnerability, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network traffic filtering rules to restrict unnecessary Ethernet frame transmission and establish proper network hygiene practices to minimize the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves network service scanning, as attackers could use the leaked information to map network topology and identify additional targets within the industrial control environment.