CVE-2017-9638 in E-Designer
Summary
by MITRE
Mitsubishi E-Designer, Version 7.52 Build 344 contains six code sections which may be exploited to overwrite the stack. 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 • 02/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9638 affects Mitsubishi E-Designer version 7.52 Build 344, a software application used for designing and configuring industrial control systems. This critical flaw resides in six distinct code sections that collectively create multiple attack vectors capable of exploiting stack-based buffer overflows. The vulnerability represents a fundamental weakness in the application's input validation and memory management mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow through carefully crafted inputs that exceed allocated buffer boundaries. Such stack corruption vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to industrial control environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the application's handling of user-supplied data. When the software processes certain inputs, it fails to validate the length of data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers located on the stack. This oversight creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data structures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory. The attack surface encompasses multiple code paths within the application's processing logic, making exploitation more likely and potentially more severe than single-point vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9638 extends beyond traditional information security concerns into critical infrastructure safety and operational reliability domains. Successful exploitation can result in arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, or gain complete administrative control over the affected system. Data integrity is compromised as attackers can modify configuration files, operational parameters, or control logic that governs industrial processes. The vulnerability also enables denial of service conditions that could disrupt critical manufacturing or operational workflows, potentially leading to production halts or safety system failures. These impacts are particularly concerning in industrial environments where E-Designer is used for configuring control systems that may directly affect physical processes and safety mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9638 should prioritize immediate patching and system hardening measures. Organizations must apply the vendor-provided security updates as soon as they become available, as these patches typically address the specific buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and memory management practices. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks or users. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software within industrial control networks. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual system behavior can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters, as exploitation often involves injecting malicious code into the application's execution context.