CVE-2017-9629 in Wonderware ArchestrA Logger
Summary
by MITRE
A Stack-Based Buffer Overflow issue was discovered in Schneider Electric Wonderware ArchestrA Logger, versions 2017.426.2307.1 and prior. The stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified, which may allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of a highly privileged account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The CVE-2017-9629 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Schneider Electric Wonderware ArchestrA Logger software, specifically affecting versions up to and including 2017.426.2307.1. This vulnerability exists within industrial automation and control systems where software reliability and security are paramount for operational continuity and safety. The affected system operates within the broader context of industrial control systems and supervisory control and data acquisition environments where software integrity directly impacts physical infrastructure operations.
The technical flaw manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow that occurs when the software processes untrusted input without proper bounds checking mechanisms. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of input data within the logging functionality of the ArchestrA Logger component. When an attacker sends maliciously crafted data to the vulnerable system, the buffer overflow occurs in the stack memory region, potentially allowing for memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite critical program execution elements including return addresses and function pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly within industrial environments where system compromise can lead to catastrophic consequences. Remote exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of a highly privileged account, which typically corresponds to system administrator or root-level access within the industrial control environment. This privilege escalation capability represents a significant threat to operational technology infrastructure, as it allows attackers to gain complete control over the affected system and potentially propagate to other connected systems within the industrial network.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which classifies this issue under the broader category of memory safety errors in software development. This classification indicates that the flaw results from insufficient bounds checking during buffer operations, a common weakness that has been documented extensively in industrial control system vulnerabilities. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 command and control techniques, where adversaries can leverage such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads within industrial environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9629 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches provided by Schneider Electric, as the vendor has likely released remediation measures addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable system to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the implementation of input validation controls and runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities in industrial control system environments.