CVE-2017-9659 in Monitouch V-SFT
Summary
by MITRE
A Stack-Based Buffer Overflow issue was discovered in Fuji Electric Monitouch V-SFT versions prior to Version 5.4.43.0. The stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified, which may cause a crash or allow remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9659 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Fuji Electric's Monitouch V-SFT software versions earlier than 5.4.43.0. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. The affected software operates within industrial control environments where reliability and security are paramount for operational technology systems.
The technical flaw manifests when the Monitouch V-SFT software processes certain input data structures that exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack. This occurs during normal operation when the application handles user inputs or communication data that is not properly validated against predetermined size limits. The buffer overflow condition creates a situation where maliciously crafted input can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables, potentially allowing an attacker to redirect program execution flow. This vulnerability specifically impacts the software's memory management routines and input processing mechanisms within the industrial automation interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, presenting significant risks to industrial control systems that rely on Fuji Electric's Monitouch V-SFT for process monitoring and control. Remote code execution capabilities provide attackers with the potential to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure control systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in industrial environments creates exposure to attack vectors that could affect manufacturing processes, power generation, or other critical infrastructure operations where these devices are deployed. Organizations implementing these systems face potential regulatory compliance issues under standards such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 when such vulnerabilities exist in their operational technology infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9659 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 5.4.43.0 or later, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, following the principle of least privilege as recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for industrial control systems. Additional defensive measures include implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems, and maintaining updated threat intelligence feeds specific to operational technology environments. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection mechanisms and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components that may be susceptible to similar memory corruption issues.