CVE-2017-9634 in E-Designer
Summary
by MITRE
Mitsubishi E-Designer, Version 7.52 Build 344 contains two code sections which may be exploited to allow an attacker to overwrite arbitrary memory locations. This can result in arbitrary code execution, compromised data integrity, denial of service, and system crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9634 affects Mitsubishi E-Designer version 7.52 Build 344, a software application used for designing and configuring industrial automation systems. This critical flaw resides in two specific code sections that fail to properly validate memory boundaries during data processing operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that permit attackers to manipulate memory allocation patterns, creating opportunities for malicious code injection and system compromise. The affected software operates within industrial control environments where security is paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves buffer overflows and memory corruption issues that occur when the application processes user-supplied data or configuration files. Attackers can exploit these code sections by crafting malicious input that exceeds expected buffer sizes, causing memory overwrite conditions that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the application context. This memory corruption allows adversaries to manipulate program execution flow, potentially gaining elevated privileges or injecting malicious payloads that can persist beyond the initial attack vector. The flaw manifests as a direct result of improper memory management practices that violate fundamental secure coding principles and can be classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise and data integrity threats. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover, allowing attackers to modify or delete critical automation configurations, disrupt industrial processes, and potentially cause physical damage to equipment. The denial of service aspect means that legitimate users may be unable to access the application or perform necessary design functions, creating operational disruptions in manufacturing or control environments. Additionally, the system crash potential can result in unplanned downtime that may have cascading effects on production schedules and operational continuity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9634 should prioritize immediate software updates from Mitsubishi to address the identified memory corruption vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to E-Designer installations and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Access controls must be strengthened through principle of least privilege enforcement, ensuring that only authorized personnel can interact with the application. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to code injection and privilege escalation, making it critical for security teams to monitor for suspicious process behavior and memory manipulation activities. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar memory management issues in other industrial control software components.