CVE-2017-9631 in Wonderware ArchestrA Logger
Summary
by MITRE
A Null Pointer Dereference issue was discovered in Schneider Electric Wonderware ArchestrA Logger, versions 2017.426.2307.1 and prior. The null pointer dereference vulnerability could allow an attacker to crash the logger process, causing a denial of service for logging and log-viewing (applications that use the Wonderware ArchestrA Logger continue to run when the Wonderware ArchestrA Logger service is unavailable).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9631 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within Schneider Electric Wonderware ArchestrA Logger software, specifically affecting versions up to and including 2017.426.2307.1. This issue resides within industrial automation and control systems infrastructure, where the logger component serves as a fundamental element for data collection, storage, and monitoring activities in process control environments. The affected system operates within the operational technology (OT) domain, where reliability and continuous operation are paramount for industrial processes. The vulnerability manifests when the application attempts to access a memory location through a null pointer reference, which occurs during specific processing conditions involving log data handling and system state management.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the software's failure to properly validate input parameters or system states before attempting to dereference pointers within memory structures. When certain log processing conditions are met, the application encounters a scenario where a pointer variable contains a null value, yet the code attempts to access the memory location referenced by this null pointer. This behavior directly violates fundamental programming practices and leads to immediate process termination. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software implementations, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in industrial control systems. The flaw can be triggered through carefully crafted log data or system state conditions that cause the logger service to attempt operations on uninitialized or invalid memory references.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, creating significant risks for industrial environments where continuous monitoring and logging are essential for process control and safety systems. When the logger process crashes due to the null pointer dereference, it creates a denial of service condition that affects not only the logging capabilities but also the broader operational visibility of the industrial process. Applications that depend on Wonderware ArchestrA Logger for data collection and monitoring continue to operate, but lose critical logging functionality that may be essential for troubleshooting, compliance reporting, and process analysis. This disruption can lead to extended downtime for operators who rely on historical logging data for operational decision-making, and potentially compromise safety monitoring systems that depend on continuous data logging for process verification and emergency response protocols. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where automated systems depend on real-time logging for operational integrity, making it a high-risk issue for industrial control systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9631 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the null pointer dereference vulnerability, as provided by Schneider Electric through their security advisory channels. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected logger service and reduce attack surface exposure. Additional protective measures include implementing robust input validation procedures for log data entry points, establishing process monitoring to detect and alert on logger service crashes, and maintaining redundant logging capabilities through alternative data collection mechanisms. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for anomalous behavior patterns consistent with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper software quality assurance practices in industrial control systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of OT components before deployment. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial control infrastructure to identify similar issues in other components and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place for critical industrial software systems.