CVE-2018-14800 in ISPSoft
Summary
by MITRE
Delta Electronics ISPSoft version 3.0.5 and prior allow an attacker, by opening a crafted file, to cause the application to read past the boundary allocated to a stack object, which could allow execution of code under the context of the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
Delta Electronics ISPSoft version 3.0.5 and earlier contains a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that manifests through improper memory management during file processing operations. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where an application writes beyond the boundaries of a stack-allocated buffer. The flaw occurs when the application processes a specially crafted file that triggers a stack-based memory corruption scenario, allowing an attacker to manipulate the program's execution flow through controlled data injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to prepare a malicious file that, when opened by the vulnerable ISPSoft application, causes the program to read past the allocated stack memory boundaries. This memory corruption typically occurs during file parsing operations where the application fails to properly validate input data length against allocated buffer sizes. The overflow can overwrite adjacent stack variables, return addresses, or other critical program state information, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution within the application's security context. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the ISPSoft application user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying system. When an attacker successfully exploits this buffer overflow, they can manipulate the application's control flow to redirect execution to malicious code, effectively taking control of the application's operation. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where ISPSoft applications may be used to manage critical infrastructure systems, as it could lead to operational disruptions or unauthorized system access. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires social engineering to convince users to open malicious files, making it a persistent threat in environments where users may not be security-aware.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of ISPSoft applications to versions that address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and memory boundary checking. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and restrict user access to potentially malicious file types. Security controls should include application whitelisting, network segmentation, and monitoring for unusual file processing activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for organizations following MITRE ATT&CK framework assessments. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques to isolate vulnerable applications from critical system resources and establish incident response procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.